Migration & Gender

Around the world, more people are on the move than ever before. Many of them are seeking new opportunities and a better life for themselves and their families. Others are forced to move due to disaster or conflict. Gender is central to any discussion of the causes and consequences of migration, whether forced, voluntary, or somewhere in between. 

It is recognized that a person’s sex, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation shape every stage of the migration experience. 

In Ghana, gender disparities are reinforced through, amongst other things, social, economic and cultural norms, as well as the lack of adequate policies to guarantee the protection of women’s rights. This results in relatively high disparity in social achievement between genders, such as in education and/or access to economic resources, for instance.  

Due to these factors, women tend to be unrepresented or under-represented in development planning. The COVID-19 pandemic has also adversely impacted women, with an increased incidence of gender-based violence and inimical consequences in economic sectors dominated by women.  

To positively impact gender dynamics is a key aim across all of IOM Ghana’s interventions. Measures to achieve this involve ensuring that gender-related outcomes are integrated into all interventions. Respect for women’s rights is mainstreamed throughout implementation, including through constant consultation with women and organizations that represent their interests. Initiatives also support the government in implementing national gender equality strategies to achieve SDG 5 on gender equality and empower all women and girls.