How Refugee Protections Fail Migrant Women: Personal is no Longer Political

Written By Camille Mackler

On International Women’s Day, Immigrant ARC, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), the Truman Center for National Policy, and the Truman National Security Project, were proud to present an event honoring migrant women around the world who have bravely left their homes in search of protection and a better life.

In 2021 - the personal is no longer political. As female migration is increasing, so is their vulnerability to human trafficking, exploitation, and discrimination. In fact, single women (alone, pregnant, or with children), adolescent girls, and elderly women are at the highest risk for these deplorable circumstances, and there needs to be a better system in place to protect them.

Many of these women flee their native countries because they are subject to persecution and sexual and gender-based violence, including war-related violence. They seek protection for themselves (and in some cases, their children) by making a dangerous journey to freedom, only to be faced with a lack of opportunity to access necessary legal services. In some cases, migrant women who are victims of violence may even feel as though they cannot file a complaint due to their safety fears.

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Additional Reading

  • “Do They Hear You When You Cry”by Fauziya Kassindja

  • “The Life and Death of Aida Hernandez” by Aaron Bobrow-Strain

Camille Mackler
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