Feminisation of Migration; Historical Aspects, Contemporary Trends and Socio-economic Empowerment of Women

Abstract

Migration is a multi-faceted experience with social, economic, and personal development opportunities. Gender-specific migration also has different dynamics. This paper explores the gender-specific trends and impacts of migration on women. It explores the historical context, pushing features, and patterns of the women migration in Pakistan by focusing on how these types of trends have changed over time. The Sindh province of Pakistan has become the main place to migrate due to the country’s economic hub, Karachi, so this paper also discusses women’s social and economic empowerment as a result of migration by discussing the insights from the Sindh province of Pakistan. Contemporary trends of migration show key challenges like gender discrimination and limited access to resources or educational opportunities, and societal norms also control the economic opportunities for women. Despite these challenges, women establish notable resilience and adaptive behaviour, being part of many economic activities in formal and informal sectors. This paper is based on the structured literature review and uses the PRISMA model for systematic review and analyses of the literature. The application of these tools helped to have comprehensive coverage of the literature on gendered dimensions and social and economic impacts of migration of women for this paper. The analysis highlights the necessity for inclusive policies that encourage gender equality and empowerment of migrated women by ensuring access to education, resources, and legal support mechanisms.

1.       INTRODUCTION

Pakistan is one of the countries facing the problem of increasing urbanisation; rural-to-urban migration is increasing, and people are migrating mainly to big cities and economic hubs. The labour market in Pakistan is also segmented along gender lines. It is mainly observed that women migrate mainly for family reasons, especially marital reasons. Though in the majority of women, the trend of migration as “tied migration” has been observed more as compared to migrating for economic reasons, this trend does not ensure the woman’s participation in the labour market. But at the same time, their existing participation in formal or informal sectors before migration might not be encouraging, while participation after migration mostly increases (Memon, 2017). In Pakistan, women face issues of unequal social and political participation (Ghafoor & Haider, 2018), gender discrimination, social suppression and feudalism-based domestic violence (Khan & Bibi, 2011) in the rural areas. These are among the push factors of migration from rural to urban areas (Khan & Bibi, 2011).                          

Social division of spaces in Pakistani society is gendered; the public place is for the males, while for the females, there is only a private sphere. Although there is a range between these two polar positions depending upon factors, including social class, age, and geographical location, the division based on gender exists in some or most of the forms. This type of social division leaves a contrasting impact (Khan, 2023), these factors together impact migration decisions, trends, as well as socioeconomic lives of women due to rural to urban migrations. The study by (Ferdoos, 2005) found that female participation in the labour market in Pakistan had increased due to increased employment opportunities. That has increased further, and women have started claiming their rights and migrating out of their homes to other job stations to achieve economic independence and equal social status with men. Today, females are found in a wide range of occupations, not only specific occupations like teachers and doctors. Women’s socio-economic status has changed due to their entry into the labour market. However, there are still challenges to women’s social status due to their engagement in economic activities, but that varies from rural to urban or family to family.

In Pakistan’s case, the process of internal migration is an old phenomenon (Perveen, 1993). Due to internal migration, not only employment opportunities but also the socio-economic conditions of migrant households have improved. The nature and volume of internal migration varied over time (Khan, 1981). The impact of migration on women’s empowerment is evident in how it boosts their access to education and economic resources, leading to autonomy and status within their communities. Migrant women play a role by making social contributions, aiding in the exchange of ideas and cultural practices that promote economic and social progress (ODI, 2016). The socio-economic status of migrated women also changes by their increased earnings with formal engagement in the labour market (Ram, et al. 2024). The migration results in better economic opportunities and it is important for women to have financial freedom (Qaisrani, 2020). The gendered aspect of migration poses challenges for women, including mobility, limited healthcare access, and sociocultural barriers that impede their economic participation. Women left behind in areas due to outmigration often shoulder increased agricultural responsibilities but face constraints due to limited resources and training that affect their productivity and empowerment (IRRI, 2024). Therefore, while migration can offer opportunities for women, it necessitates policies tailored to address the vulnerabilities and obstacles encountered by migrant women (UN Women, 2023).

This research paper aimed to broadly explore the complex aspects of women’s migration based on two main objectives. Firstly, the paper has explored the historical context, pushing features, and patterns of the women migration in Pakistan by focusing on how these types of trends have changed over time. Secondly, the study has assessed the social and economic empowerment of women as a result of migration by discussing the insights from the Sindh province of Pakistan, further highlighting the impact of migration on women in terms of shifts in their societal roles, changes in social status, their access to educational and employment gains. The paper discusses insights from Sindh province because Sindh province has become the main place to migrate due to the country’s economic hub, Karachi (Mahmud, et al. 2010). The province has a predominantly rural population, with agriculture being a major source of livelihood for many communities. However, in recent decades, Sindh has undergone significant economic and social changes, which have influenced migration patterns, including women’s migration (Britannica, 2024). The structured literature review has supported the study to ensure a detailed and unbiased analysis of the available and existing literature on the topic. Using the PRISMA model, systematically searching, choosing, and organising related studies, the study focused on identifying the key patterns and themes. The method was useful for evaluating the gendered dimensions, historical trends, and social and economic impacts of migration.