PROMOTE Report Unveils the Hidden Talents of Highly Skilled Migrant and Ukrainian Women Across Europe
A new European report, the PROMOTE Skills Identification Report, shines a spotlight on the untapped potential of highly skilled migrant and Ukrainian women and the vital role they play in Europe’s evolving labour market.
Developed by Momentum, Educate & Innovate, the report identifies the talents, qualifications, and ambitions of over 220 migrant women, most of them Ukrainian professionals displaced by war. The findings from Germany, Ireland, Poland, Spain, and Sweden reveal that while these women bring advanced education and sector expertise in areas such as IT, healthcare, business, and education, many continue to face barriers, including language gaps, non-recognition of qualifications, and childcare challenges.
The report recommends targeted action in upskilling, recognition of foreign qualifications, and tailored vocational support to better integrate this highly educated workforce.
Speaking at the launch of the report in partnership with Roscommon Leader Partnership, Samantha Carty, an EU Project Specialist with Momentum, said, “These women are seeking jobs and bring with them skills, innovation, and resilience that Europe urgently needs. Our findings show the challenges that exist but also the huge potential of this community to contribute to Europe’s digital, green, and inclusive future.”
Key Research Insights
- 222 migrant and Ukrainian women surveyed across five EU countries
- Research conducted between November 2024 and April 2025
- Over 20 companies and labour market stakeholders interviewed
- Women’s skills spanned law, healthcare, IT, education, business, design, and more
- Top training interests: AI, digital skills, communication, data analytics, language learning
Despite strong qualifications (56% of women surveyed hold third level degrees), many face:
- Language barriers
- Non-recognition of qualifications
- Underemployment and deskilling
- Lack of childcare and career guidance
The PROMOTE Skills Identification Report is the first major output of the EU-funded PROMOTE project, which aims to upskill 50 VET educators and 75+ migrant women by 2026, building a more inclusive and dynamic European workforce. Download the full report: Resources | Promote Project
