Every March 8, International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world. A date that reflects the progress of the last century in terms of gender equality. But above all, it highlights the enormous inequalities that still continue around the world.
Female global citizens have increased in number in recent decades. Female participation in migratory flows is also marked by many inequalities. In the same way, the vulnerability is sometimes even more dramatic.
Immigrant women
By 2019, according to data provided by the United Nations Organization, 271.6 million people lived in countries other than the one where they were borned. Which represents 3.5% of the global population. Just over 47% are women.
Immigrant women´s profile has been changing in the last 20 years. They currently represent 44.3% of jobs occupied by international migration. In addition, more and more women are leaving their countries of origin with postgraduate studies, in search of competitive salaries with their levels of academic preparation.
Immigrant women are increasingly moving away from the stereotype of being companion, wife and mother. They travel alone many times, to work and study.
Migration and International Women’s Day
Regarding the flow of people between developed countries, female immigration is higher than male. 51.8% in North America, 51.4% in the European Union.
Although full equality has not yet been achieved, in these regions the wage gap between men and women is not as deep as in emerging economies. Similarly, women are more likely to work and study simultaneously.
Pandemic, immigration restrictions, vulnerability
When the flow begins in less favored nations, the vulnerabilities of immigrant women become more tangible. The Pan American Health Organization already warned in 2019 that one of the most serious problems is the lack of access to health systems that many migrant women suffer.
PAHO also points out that a third of pregnant women in America have not been able to count on critical assistance since the pandemic was decreed. Services that can mean the difference between life and death.
In addition, the closure of borders and the migratory limitations imposed by governments as part of the measures to try to contain the contagion, have also served to deepen the already existing weaknesses. Difficulties in legally entering some territories have accentuated the use of illegal roads. Places where women are in constant danger, often being victims of traffickers and sexual exploiters.
Global citizens
At Globaling we work so that everyone has growth opportunities. Much remains to be done, gender equality remains a pending issue worldwide. But together we will push in the same direction. Together we will reach our full potential and make a positive difference.
