| Yhteenveto: | This study examines the complex interplay between various identity factors such as
gender, parenthood, and citizenship status, collectively influencing housing
accessibility for asylum-seeking women in Montreal, Canada. By focusing on their
understudied experiences, it addresses two key questions: (1) What are the perceived
challenges faced by asylum-seeking women in accessing housing in Montreal? (2) How
do intersecting social categories such as gender, race, socioeconomic class, immigration
status, and parenthood collectively influence the housing accessibility of
asylum-seeking women in Canada?
This research is grounded in intersectionality theory, which offers a nuanced
understanding of the intricate dynamics involved. Qualitative methodology is
employed to amplify the voices of asylum-seeking women through semi-structured
interviews, providing a platform for both structured questions and narrative
storytelling. Thematic analysis and the matrix of domination inform data analysis.
The main findings reveal logistical, economic, and social and cultural barriers faced by
asylum-seeking women in accessing housing. These challenges necessitate the
implementation of targeted policy interventions that address the structural,
disciplinary, hegemonic, and interpersonal domains of power. Specifically,
asylum-seeking women encounter difficulties in accessing childcare or schools,
navigating a new environment, delays in the immigration process, overcrowding in
shelters, absence of a credit record, high rental prices, discrimination by landlords,
inadequate government support, financial limitations, emotional burdens, social
isolation, gender-based insecurity, discrimination, language barriers, and trust issues.
These challenges intersect with gender, race, socioeconomic class, immigration status
and parenthood, underscoring the necessity for tailored interventions to address the
distinctive housing needs of asylum-seeking women and inform policy discussions for
more equitable housing policies. This research is significant in that it has the potential
to illuminate the overlooked narratives of asylum-seeking women, thereby fostering a
more inclusive discourse on housing accessibility and contributing to a more
responsive housing policy landscape.
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