Conference report: How can the Nordic countries better promote labour market integration among migrant mothers and fathers?

Parenthood can’t pause progress

Parenthood is a beautiful but challenging phase of life and for many migrant mothers in the Nordic region, it can also become a major roadblock to employment. A new report from the Nordic Council of Ministers, based on a conference held in Stockholm in December 2024, brings together research, policy suggestions, and lived experiences to tackle a key question: how can Nordic countries better support migrant parents, especially mothers, to join and stay in the workforce?

The findings reveal a clear pattern: foreign-born mothers, especially those arriving with young children, are less likely to work than their native-born peers. They are often stuck in part-time or temporary jobs, despite a strong desire to work full-time. For many, this is not about lack of will—but lack of opportunity.

Childcare and change

One of the strongest predictors of successful integration is access to affordable, flexible childcare. Many migrant parents, particularly mothers, miss out on language training and job programs simply because there’s no one to look after their children. Solutions such as combining integration programs with maternity leave or offering childcare during training are already making a difference in parts of Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Open preschools, which offer voluntary, low-barrier participation, are being used as hubs for language learning and job readiness. These community spaces not only help mothers gain skills but also promote early childhood education for migrant children, boosting their language abilities and future school success.

Gender roles and equal parenting

Cultural expectations around parenting also play a role. As migrant fathers tend to take less parental leave than their Nordic-born counterparts, this leaves mothers with the bulk of childcare. Encouraging fathers to share parental responsibilities is a subtle but powerful way to free up time and energy for mothers to focus on their careers.

At the same time, experts warn against policies that unintentionally reinforce outdated norms. “Cash-for-care” schemes, which pay mothers to stay home, were flagged as harmful. They slow down integration, isolate women, and limit children’s chances to pick up the local language early.

Structural barriers and hidden biases

Beyond childcare and culture, structural issues persist. Migrant parents, especially those from non-European countries, might face discrimination and a lack of recognition for their skills and education. Some are channeled into low-paying jobs far below their qualifications. Others are sidelined entirely.

NGO:s and civil society groups, such as Denmark’s Lige Adgang, stress the importance of mentorship and tailored support. Seeing each migrant as an individual with unique skills and ambitions, rather than a homogenous group, is key.

Digital inclusion and trust

In today’s digital society, knowing how to use online tools is essential to finding jobs, applying for benefits, and communicating with schools and health services. Yet many foreign-born women are at risk of digital exclusion. Projects aimed at improving digital skills, often led by community organizations, are helping close this gap.

Integration isn’t just about jobs—it’s also about belonging. Trust, language skills, and feeling valued in society all influence whether someone thrives in their new country. When migrants feel at home, they’re more likely to participate in society—and more likely to stay.

What’s next?

While we face challenges in integrating migrant families here in the Nordics, we are also uniquely equipped to solve them. Shared values of equality, trust in public institutions, and a strong welfare model offer a solid foundation.

The report makes it clear: when integration is done right, it benefits everyone. Better access to work for parents means stronger economies, better outcomes for children, and more inclusive communities.

Access the full report: pub.norden.org/nord2025-013

Related Research: The labour market integration of migrant mothers and fathers in the Nordic countries (OECD)