Female Face of Migration

The female face of migration is one of hope, strength, determination and self-reliance

The increasing demand for female labour in many developed countries is attracting more and more women. While some may be fleeing conflict or poverty, others are trying to escape oppressive cultural systems and the lack of equal opportunities.

The female face of migration is one of hope, strength, determination and self-reliance. But it can also be one of violence, discrimination and exploitation, simply because the migrant is a woman. Her work can be physically and psychologically overwhelming with the fear of another beating – or worse – to come at the end of a long day.

Many local Caritas organisations provide shelters, health and psychological care for migrant women and the children they may have with them. Caritas gives them legal support, as in some countries women who flee abusive employers are jailed as irregular migrants. Without Caritas, many would have no one to turn to.

Caritas also helps women make informed decisions about migrating and helps them stay in touch with their families if they choose to. It presses governments to pass and enforce enlightened migration laws and to adopt social protection policies for both migrant women and the families they leave behind.

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The female face of migration policy paper

Caritas Updates on Migration

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How Caritas works on Migration & Human Trafficking
Caritas addresses the issues around migration directly. It works to advise and protect all migrants – men, women and children – to prevent trafficking and abuse. Caritas advocates for the rights of domestic workers – who are often migrants – and for proper legal protection for all people who move to find work and security. Learn more.
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