Ladies and Gentlemen,

As an introduction to our work in this expert group meeting on
migrant women, I have the pleasure to briefly review some of the
elements, both negative and positive, that constitute the female
migration experience. These elements will be examined more in-depth
by the experts here over the course of these two days. I should,
nonetheless, like to draw your attention to the countless
contributions made by migrant women and, consequently, to the
importance of the work before us to recognize and give them their
just value. In order to do this, special attention must be devoted
to the good practices that I will raise later in this presentation
to help us reflect on the instruments and means to improve the
situation of migrant women.

MIGRANT WOMEN – OVERVIEW OF
THEIR STATUS

Allow me to begin with a rough outline of the current status of
female migration. As we all know by now, women have been full
actors of international migration. The last decades, however, have
seen an even greater increase in migrant women around the world. In
other words, international migration is characterized by a rapid
and increasing feminization to such an extent that the number of
women who migrate today is equal to that of men on a global scale
– and often higher in certain regions.

In concrete terms, women today tend to migrate more
independently and no longer for family reunification reasons or as
dependants of male migrants. With these new migration patterns, new
problems and consequently new solutions have emerged that will
require reflection.

Quantitatively, the volume of international migration is
practically equal for men and women. In 2000, the latter totaled
approximately 49% of the total number of migrants in the world.
More precisely, women and girls were slightly more numerous than
men in developed countries. In developing countries, they totaled
slightly less than 45% of the total number of migrants. On a
regional level, migrant women numerically outnumbered men in
Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania
while in Africa and in Asia they were generally under-represented
when compared to men. ^"#1">1

Overall, we can also confirm that in terms of gender, the
relatively new economic and social changes – often designated
by the word ‘globalization’ - are not neutral. These
changes and their effects act and interact on a global level,
exceeding traditional notions of time and space. Today, I do not
propose to dwell on these important aspects of international
migration. We can, nonetheless, affirm that there are decisive
factors that impact differently on migrants depending on whether
they are men or women, be it in the labour market, in unfavourable
legislation, economic deregulation, supply and demand, or in
conflicts – and the list is long.

Moreover, as these ongoing changes have increased the level of
female migration in a more visible manner, we can ask what are the
characteristics, particularly in terms of contributions, of the
advantages and disadvantages of female migration? Under which
conditions are the lives of these different actors played out? How
can we encourage initiatives introduced by these women to improve
their lives? And above all, in which way can these women become
real actors of economic and social development?

In reference to the latter, author Christine VERSCHUUR
^{class="endnote-link">2} feels that a gendered
outlook on contemporary migration can “(…)
class="paragraph-italics">Give prominence to the contribution of
women in the new international division of labour (…) Give
prominence to women among migrants (…) Give prominence to
the financial contribution of female migrant workers in their
country of origin (…) Underscore the economic and social
discrimination against migrant women (…)Undo preconceived
ideas on migration (its causes, effects, dangers) to demonstrate
the diversity of the phenomenon in terms of resources and
alternatives for development, but also in terms of abuse and
hypocrisies (…)” ^"#3">3. At this point, it becomes necessary to
take stock of the negative and positive reality of female migration
to promote the dynamic initiatives deriving from it.

How can such an approach be justified within the framework of
our workshop? We have all most assuredly felt, and rightly so, that
female migration has assumed an ever more important place over
these last years in different actions and programmes. This theme
presents, nonetheless, a heterogeneous panorama that lacks general
markers in some ways, particularly as concerns a long-term vision
of female migration, its multiple causes and effects. But above
all, it is henceforth indispensable to emphasize its positive
aspects and the capital role played by migrant women on an
international scale. Thus, we will try in this workshop to better
define the concrete situation of these women as well the dynamics
that stigmatize their lives, and to make concrete proposals for
improvement.

Until today, numerous efforts have been made to integrate the
variable ‘woman’ - not to mention the gender dimension
- into studies on migration. This dimension is as crosscutting and
multidimensional as is the migration phenomenon. Gender is
therefore indispensable to understanding the situation of migrant
women and migrant men but also of the functions attributed to men
and to women according to the hierarchy of gender.

Indeed, is it not the life experiences of these women that
interest us here, experiences that become progressively but
tangibly much more visible? What also becomes more visible is the
role they play within their families, their countries of origin as
well as in their host countries. How can we promote mechanisms
making migrant women full fledged actors of their migration
experience? How can their involvement be optimized especially
within the labour context that would on the one hand: 1) encourage
their integration in and contribute to the host country; and on the
other: 2) contribute to the well being of their country of origin?
I believe this issue must be addressed not only on the level of the
family but its analysis must also encourage migrant women to be
sources of change, decisions, and of progress.

IMPROVING THE SITUATION OF MIGRANT
WOMEN AND MAXIMIZING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS: SOME THOUGHTS

In concrete terms: how can migrant women themselves profit from the
migration process? How can we reinforce the interests of migrant
women to improve their situation at all levels? On which level can
access to information, influence before institutions, communication
of their experiences or simply their visibility be maximized, in
particular by insisting on the influence of gender factors and the
role these can play? GIVING PROMINENCE
TO AND PROMOTING MIGRANT WOMEN

For example, it is absolutely necessary to highlight the
contributions of migrant women to the development of countries and
reinforce their position as workers and creators of economic
resources⁴. We
know that migrant women find themselves in certain employment
sectors but unfortunately within those professions that fall on
female manpower: jobs as ‘care-givers’ in the widest
sense (domestic service, care of the elderly, the sick, and
children) jobs requiring patience, detail and repetition, and
sexual work including prostitution and pornography. These are the
sectors where one can find the worst remuneration, irregular
situations, marginalization and a lack of social protection. A
large concentration of migrant women is, therefore, found in a
limited number of occupations in precarious working conditions.
What can be done?

It is imperative to give special attention to migrant women
since we note an “under-estimation of the role of migrant
women in economic development and general well-being (they are
often considered as economically inactive and
“dependants”) ^"#5">5. Their existence must first be promoted as well as
the importance of their contributions at all levels and attention
drawn to their situation that, at one and the same time, is
special, manifold and diverse. Qualified migration “is also
important to be given prominence in this migration category and
attention must be paid to their situation and different needs as
compared with those of men” ^"#6">6. Visibility must be considered a fundamental
objective. We need to not only underscore this visibility but also
that of diversity. This latter represents a profitable
contribution, enriching and constructive but also egalitarian:
“The “positive” or “affirmative”
actions destined to women are in reality specific interventions
that take into consideration their diverse situation and positions,
in comparison with men, which necessitates specific steps with the
aim of guaranteeing equity in the results and benefits”
^{class="endnote-link">7}.

The dynamism of migrant women:
in other respects, it is important to change a certain negative
perception of migrant women and to promote the awareness of a
special savoir-faire and often exceptional dynamism: “In the
case of women in particular, the mere fact of emigrating to another
country indicates a dynamism and a will to assume risks and
challenges. Many migrant women are at the avant garde of changes,
especially once they return to their country of origin. They give
the example of courage and determination to realize and attain
their own objectives and projects” ^{"endnote-link">8}. "paragraph-bold">EMPOWERMENT

To achieve this, it is more than desirable to implement policies
and actions that reinforce the independence of migrant women and of
their organizations ^"#9">9. In other words, we need to reflect on concrete
démarches that would reinforce the situation of migrant
women.

According to various definitions, empowerment applied to migrant
women “aims at increasing their capacities and their
independence. The creation of organizations for and by migrant
women is a good practice presenting different advantages. Meeting
other migrants can break social isolation and offer the possibility
of collectively analyzing their situation, defining their needs and
finding adequate solutions. To realize that certain violations of
their rights are not based on “personal inadequacy” but
rather on social exclusion mechanisms and discrimination can
increase their self-esteem and their capacity to formulate
proposals and viable solutions”.
^{href="#10">10} This is an interesting issue: it is from
socially gendered mechanisms that different situations arise and
are confronted by migrants. The various forms of exclusion and
discrimination borne are consequently the fruit of their condition
as women, migrant women, in other words foreigners in a
hierarchical environment. This aspect should not be minimized.

Naturally, the principles of empowerment lead us to reflect on
the participation of these women. Indeed, the participation of
women at all levels must advance the idea that they should be
active actors in programmes and not passive beneficiaries.

Another point I feel strongly about and that I will ask you to
consider is that of the expertise women acquire during their
migration experience. On the one hand – and as I said earlier
– women who acquired their independence and thereby enjoying
a noteworthy status are an encouraging model for future generations
and in those sectors having key importance for development such as
health and education, child protection and local environment. On
the other hand, and more particularly within the context of
professional migrant women, the latter working abroad have often
wished to contribute to the development of their country. Among
other things, by associating themselves as investors with local
partners to create jobs and stimulate all types of initiatives and
projects whose value would be or is priceless. More precisely,
these women ask not only to contribute to the economic and social
development of the receiving as well as the country of origin, but
aspire frequently to optimizing their skills to multiply them
later.

Nor should we forget to recall the considerable importance of
remittances sent by migrants from one area to the other of the
planet! Beyond the fact that women are recognized as being more
reliable and regular in their remittances, the amounts constituting
these transfers of capital are considerable. It would be wiser to
examine the means of channeling financial contributions produced by
these diasporas, through development efforts for the countries of
origin.

These last two phenomena - the transfer of expertise of migrant
women and that of special contributions by female diasporas to
their country of origin (financial, social, human) - are new and I
feel they require special attention.

RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the solutions resides, for example, in community action
aimed at the strengthening of and cooperation to migrant women
according to the principles of empowerment. The importance of
women’s organizations in self-managed networks could also be
underlined as a solution to improve the disadvantaged situation
often tied to “non-citizenship”.

Collaboration among official entities, States, international
organizations, NGOs and associations of different migrant
communities could be highly constructive. These actions should
include training (in women’s rights, community participation,
prevention of violence, professional insertion, etc.), promotion of
cultural activities (meetings and workshops), information and
counseling (on rights, health, education, discrimination, violence,
legalization of status, etc.) ^"#11">11.

In the same vein, it is notably imperative to obtain data on
associations, social networks, initiatives and programmes by and
for migrants. The influence of these initiatives on the positive
integration of these women in the host countries is also to be
determined. I would suggest here that we set an objective to
identify the convergences, divergences and interactions of our
different approaches in this field that gather us here today. In
the same vein and in our attempt to examine these issues
positively, it is imperative that we address and then integrate
these types of initiatives and experiences already carried out by
migrant women themselves.

A great number of migrant women having lived for some time in a
receiving country are often certain of wanting to continue living
there. These women do not dream of going back home except to visit
and have begun to create small groups with other women –
migrants as themselves or from their country – to improve
their life. They participate and interact with their environment to
different degrees. For example, by going back to school, by
attending public or political events, creating and leading all
sorts of initiatives and often demonstrating solidarity in
situations of domestic or social violence. The degree of
participation in community or political life (if this is possible)
of certain migrants often transforms them into ‘reference
points’. They are in all cases considered
‘different’ because they have established contacts with
institutions of civil society or with States for different
démarches. This is the case in many regions of the world: we
can think of women from Latin America who migrated to North or
South America, Filipino women who organize themselves almost
everywhere, or certain groups of African migrants (for example from
the Great Lakes region) working for their interests as migrants but
also to the reconstruction of their countries of origin.

Among these women, some become models themselves, active to such
an extent that their contributions in economic, social or political
terms lead them to become real leaders. I insist on this point: it
is inevitable to integrate our approaches and to encourage the
contributions of these women in matters of governance,
participation in decision-making and exercise of power, be it in
the country of origin or in the receiving country. We must here
innovate and promote female leadership in migrant diasporas by
facilitating their involvement in the development process not only
in their communities but also in their countries of origin.

Allow me to pause here to speak of another important subject,
that of a coming event.

THE HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUE ON MIGRATION
AND DEVELOPMENT is the very first high-level event of the
United Nations entirely devoted to Migration and Development
thereby offering States the unique opportunity not only to exchange
among themselves best practices in migration management but also
promote cooperation in key migration fields. The HLD will take
place in September 2006.

IOM has thus identified some key issues for debate within the
HLD. They are:

Migration and Development: this
dialogue can assist in drawing particular attention to the sharing
of effective practices in the field of migration and development;
mainstream migration into the MDGs and PRSPs; promote the use of M
& D indicators; reinforce the economic role of the diaspora and
the developmental potential of remittances. The aspects I raised
earlier in this context are inevitable and the migrant woman has a
unique role to play therein. Labour
Migration: during this dialogue, States can also work to
develop a more effective global labour market, as an investment in
human beings; protect and support labour migrants; improve the
security of remittance transfers while lowering their costs;
analyse the role of circular migration. Here, women are active in
social change linked to the improved wellbeing of their families.
Human Rights of Migrants: we
could also work to improve the understanding and implementation of
existing legal instruments; promote integration and combat
xenophobia and racism. With regard to migrant women, integrating
gender analysis is a must particularly within Human Rights issues
to fight multiple discrimination, i.e. race/ethnicity – class
- gender. International Migration
Law: we could take advantage of the political momentum
offered by the HLD to increase awareness and effective
implementation of existing international legal instruments; provide
capacity building to countries in need of technical cooperation to
implement them. Managing
Migration: we could also work to improve coherence in
government migration policy-making; foster dialogue between sending
and receiving countries; support Regional Consultative Processes;
strengthen coherence and coordination among agencies (for example
the Geneva Migration Group). Here is where migrant women must find
a place and play a strong role. "paragraph-bold">CONCLUSION

I should like first of all to underscore the need for all actions
in favour of migrant women, and to dispose of precise data,
especially sexdisaggregated. By this, I mean not only statistics
but even more the need for qualitative research. To have such
detailed data would provide the possibility of developing actions
and programmes with a gender dimension and its diverse facets in
the migration equation. This is a fundamental step that would also
provide the possibility for a more human and positive dimension in
research.

In the same vein, it has become urgent for all of here today to
collaborate in a joint endeavour: in the long-term, the objective
could be to obtain a clear picture but also to develop a reference
tool on migrant women and their experiences. This would constitute
a real challenge and could perhaps make up for the lack of more
detailed information in the field. How can we aspire to such an
objective and long-term challenge while hoping to be
exhaustive?

As I suggested earlier, several actions could be envisaged with
the aim of improving, giving prominence to, and raising awareness
to female mobility and their experience. I can think of existing
media or artistic initiatives, awareness-raising or field
activities, guides to assist with departure or arrival, or also
“Initiatives and actions in the host countries, devoted to
organizing women, informing them of their rights and offering
various types of training” ^"#12">12. It would be interesting to gather and give
prominence to studies or publications on the often exceptionally
efficient and mobilizing economic and social role played by migrant
women.

For let us not forget, the challenge now is to prove that they
can be more active, make decisions, thwart age-old values, and
become agents of change. These are the changes on which all men and
women must build. ^"#13">13

Thank you.

---

^"1">1  The World in Motion: Short Essays on
Migration and Gender, Lauren B. Engle, IOM 2004, p.5

^"2">2  VERSCHUUR, Christine, “Un regard
genré sur les migrations”, in Femmes en mouvement,
Genre, migrations, et nouvelle division internationale du travail,
Collection Yvonne Preiswerk, DDC/UNESCO, IUED, 2004

^"3">3  VERSCHUUR, Christine, ibid, pp15-16

^"4">4  DAEREN, Lieve, Género en la
migración laboral internacional en América latina y
el Caribe, Pautas para « buenas prácticas » en
la formulación de políticas y programas dirigidos a
trabajadoras y trabajadores migrantes. International workshop on
best practices of migrant workers and their families organised by
the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Santiago de
Chile, June 2000, ECLAC, Women and Development Unit, Santiago de
Chile, 2000.

^"5">5  GRAEME, Hugo, “Migration and
Women’s Empowerment” in PRESSER, Harriet/SEN, Gita
(ed), Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Processes, Moving
beyond Cairo, Oxford, 2000, p.288

^"6">6  DAEREN, Lieve, Op. Cit. 2000, p.10

^"7">7  DAEREN, Lieve, Op. Cit, 2000, p.11

^"8">8  DAEREN, Lieve, Ibid, p.11

^"9">9  DAEREN, Lieve, Ibid, p.11

^"10">10  DAEREN, Lieve, Ibid, p.12

^"11">11  BELTRAN, Marie Elena and ZULMA Cristina,
« Mujeres Migrantes en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires :
Género, integración y discriminación »
in Buenos Aires. Ciudad CON Migrantes, Programa Todas,
Dirección General de la Mujer, Buenos Aires, 2002

^"12">12  DAEREN,Lieve, Op.Cit., 2000, p.9

^"13">13  Interview of Ms. Ndioro Ndiaye by INSTRAW,
April 2006.