ISLAMABAD: Women around the world face a heightened risk of violence, exploitation, and discrimination at every stage of migration, from recruitment and transit to work abroad and return to their home countries, according to a report by UN Women on Monday.
Crossing borders in search of safety or opportunity can expose women to unsafe recruitment practices, human trafficking, forced labor, and gender-based violence, particularly for those traveling without legal documentation or reliable information.
"Violence is omnipresent at all stages of migration – from journeys and border crossings to life in destination countries, and eventual return," the UN report states.
"Migrant women often suffer violence multiple times by different perpetrators," the report notes.
Trafficking in persons remains one of the most severe human rights violations affecting migrant women and girls. "More than 60 per cent of trafficking victims detected worldwide are women or girls," many of them exploited in poorly regulated sectors such as "domestic and care work," UN Women said. Dependence on employers for wages, housing or residency status can further silence women and limit access to justice.
Migrant domestic workers are especially vulnerable. Most work inside "private homes often means limited visibility and protection...Many migrant workers are excluded from national labour laws, denied rest days or fair wages, and are deeply dependent on their employers for income, housing, and residency status."
Sponsorship systems that tie visas to employers often prevent women from leaving abusive situations or reporting violations, according to the report.
Even after reaching their destination, they face "discrimination based on gender, race, nationality, and migration status" which "shapes every aspect of life."
Fear of detention or deportation discourages many from seeking help, while women in immigration detention face elevated risks of abuse and limited access to health care and complaint mechanisms.
"Many women report sexual abuse, poor or no access to sexual and reproductive health care, and a lack of privacy in sanitation and shower areas."
Survivors of exploitation or trafficking may encounter "stigma and exclusion," making reintegration and recovery more difficult without tailored support.
Central role of women
Against this backdrop, UN Women stated on Wednesday, ahead of International Migrants Day, observed on Dec. 18, that women play a central role in migration and that their rights must be protected.
In its statement, UN Women described migration as “a powerful story of resilience, connection and shared progress,” noting that this year’s theme, “My Great Story: Cultures and Development,” highlights how human mobility enriches societies and supports sustainable development when grounded in dignity and rights.
“At the heart of this story are women,” the statement said, adding that women’s earnings sustain families, their care work supports communities and their leadership helps societies adapt and flourish.
UN Women said it is working with governments, civil society and migrant-led organizations worldwide to uphold the rights and dignity of migrant women and girls and ensure their voices shape policies.
The organization cited an example from Ethiopia, where a young woman who survived exploitation as a domestic worker abroad rebuilt her life after returning home with support from a UN Women partner, accessing shelter, health care, legal aid and vocational training.
“Her journey toward justice and recovery shows what’s possible when services are survivor-centred and gender-responsive,” UN Women said.
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