Campaigns 
Migrant Women
Friday, 03 September 2010
Female ambassadors to Ireland and ICI staff celebrated International Women's Day and the contribution migrant women have made to this country at a breakfast function in Dublin on March 6, 2009.
The Immigrant Council of Ireland has developed a programme of work in response to the feminisation of migration which includes primary research, policy development, public awareness, service provision and legal representation in specific areas such as family reunification, domestic violence, trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation (see trafficking page) and exploitation within the Irish sex industry.
Migration patterns have shifted significantly over the past decade. Women have always migrated but, often, in the past, their movement was directly related to family reunification or depended on a male migrant. Today, we are experiencing the feminisation of migration, with more women moving as primary migrants in their own right.
Migrant women are making significant and positive contributions to Ireland, economically, socially and culturally. Their experiences are diverse and varied. On the one hand, many migrant women experience discrimination. Their lives are structured around a combination of racial and gender inequalities. They are also overrepresented in the most marginalised and lowest paid jobs. On the other hand, migration has led to positive experiences for women. It has the potential to reshape gender relations and inequalities and enables many women to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
While migration is a positive experience for many women, it can be risky and women can be open to exploitation. Poor working conditions, trafficking for sexual exploitation and forced labour are all outcomes women have experienced as globalisation has resulted in growing demand for domestic and care workers and for the entertainment, hospitality and sex industries. In addition, an immigration system that continues to treat women as dependent creates more problems in relation to legal status generally and can trap women in dangerous situations, particularly when they are victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation or experience domestic violence.
Research
- “The Feminisation of Migration: Experiences and Opportunities in Ireland” November 2007. This research highlights the experiences and issues for women migrating to Ireland. The research launch was coordinated with the launch of a photographic exhibition in partnership with FOMACS. The research has since informed joint strategies of the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the European Women’s Lobby. Subsequently, the ICI and AkiDwA are jointly working on a project, with the European Women’s Lobby, to develop a migrant women’s network at EU and national levels.
- The ICI commissioned groundbreaking research, “Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution: The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland”, which was published in April 2009. This research detailed, for the first time, the level and extent of sex trafficking and exploitation of migrant women in the Irish sex industry. The research has generated considerable debate and has informed and influenced many policy changes. It presents stark evidence of the trafficking of women and girls into and through Ireland for the purposes of sexual exploitation.
- Working with other organisations, the ICI researched and published service provision responses to migrant women experiencing domestic violence, “Addressing the needs of Black and Ethnic Minority Women Experiencing Male Violence”
Advocacy
The ICI’s legal team analyses proposed legislation in relation to its impact on women and offers comment and recommendations in response. The ICI has made submissions to the Government on how legislation and policies impact on women. We have highlighted legislative and policy shortcomings, particularly in relation to domestic violence, human trafficking and exploitation within the sex industry.
Submission: Response to the Consultation Paper on the Migrant Workers Convention, February 2010
Alliance Building
The ICI initiated a working group with Women’s Aid and AkiDwA to respond to the issue of migrant women experiencing gender-based violence, specifically within the domestic context. Subsequent to research examining the needs of migrant women and existing responses, we are continuing this work with the focus on service providers developing appropriate responses. The conference, “Addressing the Needs of Black and Ethnic Minority Women Experiencing Male Violence”, was held in July 2006 and a series of strategic meetings was held to maximise the impact of this work.
Trafficking