2004 world survey on the role of women in development: Women and international migration

A gender perspective is essential to understanding both the causes and consequences of international migration. Female migrants are increasingly part of worker flows, moving on their own to become the principal wage-earners for their families. Most women move voluntarily, but women and girls are also part of the flows of forced migrants who have fled conflict, persecution, environmental degradation, natural disasters and other situations that affect their habitat, livelihood and security. The trafficking of people for prostitution and forced labour is an area of increasing concern to the international community. This Survey sets out recommendations to improve the situation of migrant, refugee and trafficked women.