Experiences of First-Generation African Immigrant Women in STEMM Careers in Canada

This study examines the lived experiences of first-generation African immigrant women (FGAIW) pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) in Canada. Despite migrating through the skilled economic immigration stream with advanced qualifications, these women often face systemic barriers, including racial discrimination, credential devaluation, and exclusion from career advancement opportunities. Guided by intersectionality and critical race theory (CRT), the study investigates how overlapping identities, race, gender, immigration status, and professional background shape their career trajectories and well-being. Using a qualitative case study approach, six participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and reflexive thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. Three major themes and seven subthemes emerged, revealing the challenges and strategies FGAIW employ to navigate Canada’s STEMM landscape. The findings illuminate how the permanence of racism, the racialized politics of language, and institutional expectations such as Canadian experience requirements and Eurocentric professional norms shape women’s integration into STEMM. Despite systemic inequities, participants demonstrated resilience, aspiration, and agency in carving out spaces for professional success. This research contributes to the limited literature on African immigrant women in STEMM and highlights the urgent need for inclusive policies that address institutional racism and promote equity in professional spaces. The findings also align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which advocates for inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all. This study examines the lived experiences of FGAIW pursuing careers in STEMM in Canada. Despite migrating with strong academic credentials, participants encountered systemic barriers including accent discrimination, racial microaggressions, credential devaluation, and limited access to equitable career pathways. Guided by CRT and its tenets—particularly intersectionality and counter-storytelling—the study explores how overlapping identities such as race, gender, immigrant status, and linguistic identity shape their transitions into the Canadian STEMM workforce. Six participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling using social media and QR code–based outreach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings reveal key enablers, including government-funded upskilling programmes, supportive workplaces, and strong cultural and faith-based resilience, as well as significant disablers rooted in structural racism, prolonged credentialing timelines, and Canadian-experience requirements. The study contributes to limited Canadian scholarship on African immigrant women in STEMM and highlights the need for equitable credential recognition, anti-racist practices, and inclusive pathways aligned with the SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth). Recommendations are offered to support systemic change across policy, practice, and STEMM workplaces in Canada.