Short-changed

Examining de-skilling amongst racialized immigrant women in the Lower Mainland

Racialized immigrant women in British Columbia are disproportionately likely to face exploitative working conditions and employers who lack understanding of their legal rights as workers. These challenges are often compounded by their precarious immigration status, as well as their past experiences and assumptions about the legal system.

Furthermore, despite their high levels of skill and education, these women often find themselves underemployed in low-paying positions (such as a Master's degree holder working as a minimum wage baker).

Access to justice should not be a privilege reserved for a select few. The legal system should be equally accessible and fair to all residents of British Columbia, regardless of their race, gender, or immigration status. Our project seeks to identify the specific barriers that racialized immigrant women face when it comes to understanding their legal rights and what constitutes acceptable workplace behavior and standards. Through our research, we aim to shed light on these issues and promote greater equity and justice for all.