The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Migrant Women in Milan, Italy: Insights from Qualitative Studies Engaging Migrant Women and Key Informants

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, migrants and women were among the most vulnerable groups. By adopting an intersectional lens, it is possible to emphasize how migrant women (MW) faced specific impacts. This study aimed to explore how MW living in Milan, Italy, experienced the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding their social and health needs and access to care. Methods: Two qualitative studies using semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the impact of the pandemic on MW regarding a wide range of experiences, by engaging them directly and key informants (KI) working in third sector organizations and public hospitals. Results: Nineteen MW and twenty-seven KIs were interviewed. The pandemic significantly worsened MW’s economic situation, with service shutdowns hindering their regularization process. Bureaucratic barriers increased reliance on NGOs, which were also MW’s preferred entry point to the national healthcare system before and during the pandemic. KIs reported an increase in gender-based violence, while requests for assistance declined. Despite vaccine skepticism, most MW got vaccinated because of its de facto mandatory nature. A fatalistic view of the pandemic and disasters was prevalent among MW, with many perceiving them as inevitable events and believing that protective measures are futile. Distrust towards the national healthcare system, institutions, and media was common among MW. While KIs noted significant marginalization among MW, the women themselves considered social isolation one of the least significant impacts and did not see themselves as particularly vulnerable. Conclusion: Establishing trust in advance is essential for effective disaster response. Disaster risk management should adopt an intersectional approach and consider diverse cultural perspectives on preparedness. Although specific barriers faced by MW were identified, their migratory identity seems to outweigh their gender identity. This project was supported by Fondazione Cariplo (ref. 2022-1447) and conducted in the framework of the International PhD in Global Health, Humanitarian Aid, and Disaster Medicine (UPO).