Working to Prevent and Address Violence Against Women Migrant Workers

Almost half of the total number of migrant workers in the world today are women. It is important to acknowledge that labour migration may benefit them through economic and socio-cultural empowerment, however, due to their dual vulnerability as migrants and women, they are still disproportionately exposed to a variety of risks arising from their mobility. At every stage of their migratory experience, women migrant workers may be more exposed to human rights violations such as discrimination, exploitation and abuse compared to their male counterparts.

This publication presents the approach IOM takes toward the protection and empowerment of women migrant workers. By displaying key IOM activities in that area, the report seeks to better inform policy makers, practitioners and the public of the vulnerability of these women and of good practices for the protection of their human rights throughout the labour migration cycle.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM)

IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental body, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

Our publications focus on topics such as:

International Migration Law (IML)
Migration and Labour
Migration and Development
Migration and Environment
Migration Policy Trafficking in human beings
Migration and Health

IOM's flagship publication is its World Migration Report which provides policy makers and the general public with updated and authoritative information on international migration trends; identifies major policy issues as they arise; and discusses available policy options.