INTEGRATION OF UKRAINIAN WOMEN IN FRANCE DURING THE WAR: PSYCHOLOGICAL VULNERABILITY, INTEGRATION BARRIERS AND RESILIENCE RESOURCES

Abstract

This article explores the socio‑psychological adaptation of Ukrainian women who arrived in France after the outbreak of the full‑scale war and obtained temporary protection status. Drawing on empirical data collected in 2023-2024, the study analyses the main challenges these women encounter during integration, including limited proficiency in French, financial instability, difficulties in securing employment that matches their qualifications, social isolation, and restricted access to stable housing. These factors interact and reinforce one another, creating a complex environment of adaptation and increasing the risk of psychological vulnerability, particularly among women who experienced forced displacement, separation from family members, and the loss of familiar social networks. The analysis also highlights the emotional burden associated with uncertainty about the future and the need to rebuild everyday life in a new cultural context.

At the same time, the findings highlight significant resilience resources that support Ukrainian women in navigating the integration process. Internal psychological strengths-such as maternal responsibility, professional competence, emotional flexibility, and a strong motivation to learn-play a crucial role in maintaining stability. These individual resources are complemented by institutional and social opportunities provided by the host society, including access to language courses, employment and family support programmes, and the cultural emphasis on education, autonomy, and social participation. The study demonstrates that the combination of personal resilience and external support enables Ukrainian women not only to cope with the challenges of forced migration but also to gradually construct new life strategies and pathways for social inclusion in France, strengthening their sense of agency and belonging.