JOURNEYING WOMEN: THE PAST OF THE HOMELAND AND THE UNCERTAIN FUTURE BEYOND THE BORDER

This work aims to analyse the phenomenon of migratory flows, highlighting the courage of women. The journey, understood both in the dimension of geographical movement and in that of the soul, is the focal point of the issues, examined in light of a description of the history of migratory movements, and then focusing attention on aspects more inclined to associationism, discrimination, and the difficulty of social integration of these women, often resulting from linguistic barriers and severe prejudices. Finding a job in line with the studies completed in their country of origin or receiving decent wages remain some of the difficulties that immigrant women face daily in Italy. Consequently, in most cases, immigrant women find themselves in roles such as caring for the elderly, working as caregivers. In any case, the emotional involvement dimension should not be forgotten, as a consequence of the relationship established with the fragile or severely ill individuals they serve, often without adequate skills. The work concludes with a look at the sphere of prostitution, which becomes an obligatory choice to alleviate hunger and poverty. The hope is to give voice to the stories of women too often left alone and forced to make crude compromises to survive.