Intersectional Factors Contributing to the Vulnerability of Young Zimbabwean Female Immigrants in Johannesburg

Abstract

Female migrants are given less attention in migration thus opening room for their vulnerability. Various scholars have tried to incorporate gender into female immigrants' vulnerability but ignored the role played by other intersecting factors contributing to vulnerability. Through a qualitative approach, this study aimed at determining the intersectional factors contributing to the vulnerability of young Zimbabwean female immigrants in Johannesburg. The findings of this study highlighted that the young Zimbabwean female immigrants are vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, xenophobia, poor health, and social and economic problems as a result of the intersecting factors. These include nationality, gender, legality, language barriers, type of work, poverty (and the desperation it generates), and competition over job opportunities. The study indicated that these female immigrants do not look for the law's protection because they are afraid of the abuse by the police and being deported....