UNITAR Online Catalogue

Migration and Development Series: Briefing on Female Migration

Type
Briefing
Location
New York, United States of America
Date
Duration
1 Days
Programme Area
Peace Security and Diplomacy, International Law
Website
http://www.unitar.org/ny
Price
$0.00
Event Focal Point Email
info@unitarny.org

Background

According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, women and girls have, for the last two decades, constituted almost 50 per cent of all international migrants.  Despite this consistently high proportion of female migrants, migration policy and discourse have remained largely “ungendered”, focusing on the phenomenon of migration and its macro impacts, rather than recognizing the differentiated experiences and contributions of female and male migrants. Moving forward, this briefing draws attention to the specificities of female migration, from their occupational sectors and remittance patterns to protection needs and the questions of integration and access to services.  

Event Objectives

This briefing is organized as a side-event to the Economic and Social Council Commission on the Status of Women (1-12 March 2010) with a view to the 2010 Annual Ministerial Review of the Economic and Social Council  to be held in June in New York on the topic of gender equality and the empowerment of women.  The briefing aims to raise awareness about the relevance of international migration to these discussions and to enhance participants’ understanding of female migration patterns and the rights, protection needs and development contributions of women migrants.

Learning Objectives

Content and Structure

The half-day briefing covers the following topics:

  • Composition and occupational characteristics of female migration;
  • Rights and protection needs of women migrants;
  • Potential of female migrants to contribute to development, gender equality and women empowerment.

 

Methodology

As an informative face-to-face event facilitated by UNITAR, this briefing features renowned experts from governments, the United Nations system, the International Organization for Migration, other international organizations and civil society.  Following their presentations, participants have an opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with the speakers. 

Targeted Audience

The briefing is open to members of permanent missions to the United Nations in New York who serve on the Second, Third and Sixth Committees, or work on migration and development issues in the context of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, International Conference on Population and Development, et cetera.  Representatives of governments, international organizations, the United Nations system, civil society and private sector with academic or professional interest on the topic are also encouraged to participate.