Youth migration and gender

Adolescent girls and young women make up an important part of the youth migrant population. However, their migration experience is often overlooked in both policy and practice. In particular, young migrant women and adolescents often face challenges during teenage years when making the crucial transition from school to the workplace. Further, social and cultural factors often determine whether or not they experience gender equality in terms of access to education, employment outside of the household, conditions of work, social protection, health and other services (see Gender norms and drivers).

Due to family expectations, young women are more likely to remain within the household and assume caregiving role, while young men may be expected to earn income elsewhere. As such, adolescent girls and young women are less likely to complete their education and later find decent work, which may put them at greater risk of exploitation and abuse, including trafficking in persons (see Trafficking in persons and other associated forms of abuse).

While young men and adolescent boys are more likely to migrate, social and family pressures also impact young women’s migration. For instance, dutiful daughters are encouraged by parents to migrate into traditionally female sectors in order to increase the families’ socioeconomic status (UN-Women, 2017). The increase in the number of female-headed households has challenged traditional gender roles, especially concerning decision-making. Women are increasingly taking charge of households and undertaking duties traditionally performed by men, while also discharging their duties of care (IOM, 2012).

The decision to return home can be influenced by the gender of the migrant. For instance, a young woman’s return could be determined by her family, especially when she reaches the age deemed appropriate to marry and have children, or when there is a death or family crisis at home. Policies that restrict female migrants from getting pregnant are also a reason why they may return. Equally, male migrants are more able to exert their independence over the decision to continue working abroad but may also be expected to return after a crisis (see Return and reintegration of migrants).