#APA #GenderIssues#Migration #SDG’S
I had the privilege of attending the UN’s psychology conference on Gender issues. Mental well being is at the heart of the Sustainable development goals in the United Nations. Psychology can show us a new perspective or understanding about gender issues. It is embedded with the inner foundation of our society. Mental health and inner well being is at the heart of sustainable goals. This article is about migration and how it impacts women.
There are over 258 million migrants around the world today, and more than 50 per cent are women and girls. The experience of migration differs significantly for women and men, girls and boys: every aspect of migration, from those who remain behind, to the decision to migrate, transiting across borders, to settling in the country of destination, is influenced deeply by gender considerations, including the discrimination that they may face.
The remittances sent by women migrant workers improve the livelihood and health of their families and strengthen economies. Many of the women who are immigrants just want to earn a dignified living and fend for their children.
The migrant women around us have diverse faces, dreams and realities, and help sustain our economies, homes and communities. Every sixth domestic worker in the world is an international migrant, with women making up 73.4 per cent of international migrant domestic workers. With half of the estimated 260 million migrants worldwide being women, it is critical that the implementation of the Global Compact effectively includes their voices and addresses their needs and priorities.
Women are more vulnerable during migration. They feel displaced and uprooted and likely so. They are leaving their country and a part of their identity behind. It is therefore crucial to understand how gender interacts with migration and to respond accordingly. I strongly think that not only women even men have to adapt to such a transformation.
The irony is that displacement might actually empower women. Let’s take an example of a immigrant from an orthodox conservative country. If she migrates into a culture that is broad minded, that is more accepting than her home culture she would potentially, be empowered. And not only her, even her children would be living it up to their fullest potential. Migration can provide immense opportunities and benefits not only for the migrants themselves and their families, but also for the countries of origin, transit and destination. As the first intergovernmentally negotiated agreement to cover all dimensions of international migration, the Global Compact for Migration builds upon the commitments made by governments in the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants.
Author Bio
Tara Seth has successfully completed her M.A. in Psychological Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York in May 2018. She is a writer for the “Page community” as well as Power in Praxis. She currently teaches in a bilingual school and is a student, an Aspiring Actor at New York Film Academy. She strongly beliefs and advocates gender empowerment and makes an active effort to propagate this belief. #GenderEmpowerment #WomensRights