On International Migrants Day, which falls on December 18th, UN Women acknowledged the significant contributions made by women and girls who represent about 50% of the world’s 281 million international migrants. Whether their reasons for migration are economic opportunities, escaping conflict or climate change, seeking refuge from gender-based violence, or pursuing education, these migrants play vital roles in societies worldwide.
UN Women celebrated the diverse talents and expertise that migrants bring to their host countries, including the crucial support they provide to their families and communities through remittances, as well as their contributions to thriving economies and livelihoods.
However, International Migrants Day also serves as an opportunity to recognize and address the various forms of discrimination faced by migrants, with a particular focus on the gendered impacts experienced by women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. Women migrant workers are often concentrated in service sectors such as domestic and care work, and gender stereotypes limit their autonomy and decision-making, making them more vulnerable to human rights violations.
By adopting gender-responsive migration governance approaches that eliminate barriers, address discrimination, and promote and protect the rights of migrant women, countries can ensure safer migration for all while advancing gender equality and supporting the well-being of all migrants and their communities.
