By Sienna Norris
Amongst the 133.4 million people who arrived in the UK this year, as reported by the government, most migrants tend to be female. The main reasons these migrants are moving to this country are for work and studying, but according to the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, the UK has become, “a one-nation experiment in open borders,” with a “risk of becoming an island of strangers.” as he has remarked. The harmful stereotypes perpetuated by the British government have been a growing cause of concern for decades, but the success of female migrant entrepreneurs have contradicted the myths surrounding migration in the UK.
According to the Financial Times, one in every seven UK companies were set up by migrant entrepreneurs, “responsible for creating 14 per cent of British jobs,” which have majorly contributed to the economy. Migrants are susceptible to discrimination, but female migrants experience further discrimination based on their gender, but there are many women who haven’t let this deter them from endeavouring on business ventures.
There is scientific evidence which states the inflow of asylum seekers in Western Europe has a positive effect on the economy, since the “increase in public spending by asylum seekers is more than compensated for by an increase in tax revenues net of transfers.” Combine this with the findings of a study that states, “the number of women that start a business out of necessity is at least thirty percent greater than the men who do so.” With these facts in mind, the ideal narrative could be one where we highlight how female migrant entrepreneurs have the ability to be mass contributors to the UK’s economy rather than the harmful propaganda reiterated by the government.
Despite this, there have been some amazing success stories. From cafes to lingerie companies, female migrants have set up businesses that empower others and are a powerful reminder that you can achieve anything. One standout example is Mursal Hedayat, a refugee from Afghanistan, who co-founded Chatterbox in 2018—an innovative online learning platform run by and for refugees, which helps them build careers and unlock their full potential. Likewise, Yeukao Taruvinga, founder and CEO of Active Horizons, is supporting the educational and social needs of young migrants while embracing their cultural identities. Across London alone, local businesses like Cream Dream and HAVEN Coffee have been launched by refugees with the aim of uplifting others. These are just a few examples of the innovative entrepreneurship that continues to enrich the UK economy while creating jobs and communities that thrive.
Some may wonder how migrant women manage to launch successful businesses despite the challenges they face. The answer is the same as for any entrepreneur: determination, resilience, and vision. What makes their achievements even more remarkable is the additional weight they often carry—language barriers, limited networks, and unfamiliar systems. Navigating a completely new country while building a business is no small feat, which is why the success of these women deserves even greater recognition.
Lawyers & Jurists pointed out in an article, “refugee-owned businesses can contribute to innovation, diversity, and economic resilience, particularly in urban areas with vibrant immigrant communities,” This makes the success of female migrant entrepreneurs all the more remarkable, given the additional barriers they face—not just as migrants, but as women navigating a double layer of discrimination. Being a woman or a migrant presents its own challenges; being both often means confronting entrenched stereotypes and systemic exclusion. This stands in stark contrast to the UK government’s stated aim of boosting the economy, while at the same time enforcing policies that marginalise refugees and migrants—despite official figures showing they contribute nearly £1 million each year in income tax and national insurance.
As debates around migration intensify in the UK, female migrant entrepreneurs find themselves under mounting pressure. Yet, the real cost of this climate isn’t just personal—it risks stifling innovation and growth in the wider workforce. While the government’s stance remains contradictory, these women continue to build, contribute, and succeed—often in spite of the very systems meant to hold them back.
This article is part of the series “Women On The Move. Fleeing, Fighting, Forgotten”. To read more inspiring stories of everyday women making a real difference in the world, be sure to check out the latest edition of Wempower magazine, or listen to our podcast.
