"The female face of migration"
Women participation in global migration has been an age long but invisible phenomenon. Women make up a significant percentage, about half (49%) of global migration. The perspectives―their socio-economic contributions and unique experiences were not taken into account until lately. In the past, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, migration was seen as a man thing and women were simply seen merely as wives and dependents of migrants.
All this has changed in recent times with an increase in women autonomous migration for reasons including being the main economic providers or breadwinners for their families. Their peculiar migratory patterns and behaviors are quite different from men’s. So different also are their migratory opportunities, risks, and challenges. Women are many times more susceptible to human rights abuses, exploitation, discrimination and specific health risks. “The female face of migration is one of hope, strength, determination and self-reliance. But is can also be one of violence, discrimination, and exploitation” (Caritas International, 2007).
All this has changed in recent times with an increase in women autonomous migration for reasons including being the main economic providers or breadwinners for their families. Their peculiar migratory patterns and behaviors are quite different from men’s. So different also are their migratory opportunities, risks, and challenges. Women are many times more susceptible to human rights abuses, exploitation, discrimination and specific health risks. “The female face of migration is one of hope, strength, determination and self-reliance. But is can also be one of violence, discrimination, and exploitation” (Caritas International, 2007).
This is particularly so of the African woman migrant. An important segment of African women migrants is the adolescent and young women. Adolescent and young women migrate in all of the categories of migration—labor movements, family reunification and formation, and forced migration.
Adolescent and young women migrants often face triple forms of discrimination—as women, young people, and migrants. They are the most victims of those trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labor. They also represent a significant part of the families left behind in countries of origin by migrating parents and spouses.
Adolescent and young women migrants often face triple forms of discrimination—as women, young people, and migrants. They are the most victims of those trafficked for sexual exploitation and forced labor. They also represent a significant part of the families left behind in countries of origin by migrating parents and spouses.
Learn About the Challenges and Responses
International Organization on Migration (IOM)
Migration/Refugee Programs
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United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Jesuit Refugee Services
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United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR)
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Church Organizations
Caritas International
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The event will benefit from the firsthand perspective of victims and beneficiaries of the migration dynamics. Such an open space encounter enables the various levels of governments and intergovernmental agencies to share with the people various programs and policies on migration and development, such as the many bilateral, multilateral processes between African countries and those between Africans and other continents. This is an opportunity for a large number of people to know about the numerous good programs and initiatives of international agencies.
In preparation for the conference, read the New York Declaration. (English)(français)
In preparation for the conference, read the New York Declaration. (English)(français)