Bridging Research and Practice: Exploring Interprofessional Collaboration Strategies to Support Migrant Women Involved in Sex Work
Migrant women in Canada —particularly those arriving alone or with dependents— face challenges such as socio-economic hardship, limited social support, and discrimination in the labour market; these co-occurring vulnerabilities can lead some women to engage in sex work for survival. Our research team aimed to examine the health and well-being of migrant women who engage in sex work, highlighting the compounded effects of these intersecting identities and producing implications for an interprofessional collaborative approach to health and social care needs of this population. Findings revealed new insights into the negative psychological, socio-economic, and spiritual impact of sex work in the present day. In addition, community organizations and health and social care providers were highlighted as key factors in promoting the well-being of this marginalized community, necessitating their further collaboration for the continuity of care. Thus, our team was motivated to explore this topic in deeper collaboration alongside our community partner, Maggie’s Toronto Sex Workers Action Project.
Our three-part, multiphasic study involved a systematic literature review, a qualitative study on Ukrainian migrant women and their lived experiences of sex work, and a qualitative document analysis of online sex work recruitment advertisements catered towards Ukrainian migrant women. This workshop-style seminar will guide participants through the process of in-depth exploration of the topic of interest. We will share findings from our studies, and discuss strategies and key takeaways we have learned from working with vulnerable populations, and in collaboration with interdisciplinary research teams to produce actionable recommendations and programming for the community.
After attending this session, the learner will be able to:
Identify key components of qualitative research methodology including critical interpretive phenomenology, hermeneutic analysis, and relevant theoretical perspectives;
Analyze raw data (anonymized quotes from participants, sex work advertisements) and engage in critical thematic discussion with other workshop participants;
Develop evidence- and practice-informed recommendations for service providers and policy-makers who work with marginalized and/or vulnerable populations.
Learners will leave this session with a fulsome understanding of intersectional forces leading migrant women to engage in sex work in Canada, and how their mental health and well-being needs may differ from the general Canadian population. Seminar participants will also consider how diverse health and social care professions play a key role in supporting a human rights-based approach to health interventions, policy, and programming for marginalized populations. This interactive, workshop-based seminar will encourage full participation through various means including: fully-monitored chat functions, polling, breakout room discussions, and activity-based learning focused on honing practical skills for qualitative researchers.