At this years European Development Day, the International Organization for Migration focused on promoting the safety and empowerment of migrant girls and women.
“Migration is one of the defining features of the 21st century contributing significantly to all aspects of economic and social development, and as such will be key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Safe, orderly and regular migration, allow women to develop their skills, flourish as entrepreneurs, and contribute to economic growth. The 2030 Agenda explicitly recognizes the economic value of migrants; but women and girls, representing 48 per cent of all international migrants, are still exposed to gender specific vulnerabilities. This High Level Panel, moderated by the Swiss Agency for development and cooperation, discusses how the EU and its partners can empower women and girls to improve their socioeconomic status.”
“Women and girls on the Move: Towards Safer Work and Migration for Women” –the panelists are set to discuss how safe, orderly and regular migration can mitigate vulnerable situations and allow women to develop new skills, flourish as entrepreneurs, and contribute more to the growth of their host and home countries. On the High-level Panel, Ambassador Thompson will join Myria Vassiliadou, EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator; Isatou Touray, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment of the Republic of the Gambia; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women Executive Director; Audrey Le Guével, Director of the Brussels office, ILO; and Esther Nakajjigo, EDD Youth Representative from Uganda. Discussions will be moderated by Ambassador Thomas Gass, Assistant Director General of the SDC.
To watch the full video, “Women and Girls on the Move: Towards Safer Work and Migration for Women”: