How technology and innovation can empower migrant women and girls
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Road to Equality
Road to Equality
In many parts of the world, March is dedicated to women
As we celebrate the achievements of women and girls on the journey to gender equality, we must also acknowledge the remaining roadblocks that stand in their way. This year, the United Nations is focusing on the role of technology and innovation in advancing gender equality. At IOM, we are committed to promoting ways that technology and innovation can empower migrant women and girls.
With 140 million women and girls on the move, accounting for half of the world's migrants, we recognize that gender inequalities manifest differently depending on where women find themselves in the world. Although they share common aspirations, the paths they take to achieve their dreams are unique. Education, technology, and digital tools play a crucial role in shaping the migration experiences of women. Many women have been able to turn migration challenges into strengths, using their specific knowledge and skills to chart their own paths.
Women and girls in technology is a win-win
When women and girls are given equal access to technology, it unlocks their potential for creativity and innovation, leading to solutions that cater to women's needs and promote gender equality. On the other hand, excluding women and girls from technology comes at a significant cost, resulting in social exclusion and economic losses.
Innovation, technology, and digital education have the power to increase migrant women and girls' awareness of their rights and create opportunities to tackle real-life challenges. However, the digital revolution can also reinforce existing gender inequalities.
Explore the images below to discover how technology can either enhance or jeopardize gender equality. Click on each image to learn more and join us in the journey towards a more equitable future for all
Structural barriers
Women often encounter difficulties in accessing technology, not only because of issues with affordability or infrastructure, but also due to discrimination and unequal opportunities for skills’ development.
Gender-sensitive technology
The use of digital technology in finance is growing. Yet, globally, many women are still “unbanked and lack access to financial accounts, loans, or insurance services.
Please identify yourself
In many countries, SIM cards are required to access mobile networks and the internet.
Remote work
The use of digital technology in finance is growing. Yet, globally, many women are still “unbanked and lack access to financial accounts, loans, or insurance services.
Digital Education
Migrant girls often face multiple barriers to accessing education, such as language barriers, financial constraints, and social isolation. Digital education can provide a solution to these challenges by offering flexible and accessible learning opportunities that can be accessed from anywhere.
Technological investments
Investing in technology with a focus on gender can help to address the specific challenges and barriers faced by migrant women and girls, such as language barriers, cultural differences, and limited access to resources.
Women on the wall
Calling all female street artists!
We’re excited to announce a street art contest that will showcase the talent and creativity of female artists from around the world. From the bold and vibrant to the subtle and nuanced, we want to see how you can use street art to make a statement and express your unique perspective.
IOM wants to provide a platform for female artists to showcase their skills and creativity and to inspire the next generation of women to break barriers and make their mark on the world.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we encourage you to participate and show us what you’ve got. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the contest and to see some of the amazing submissions that come in. Let’s make some art, make some noise, and make history together!
What Can You Do?
Whether you find yourself in Ethiopia or Iraq, in Egypt or Chad, there are many ways you can contribute to gender equality:
Advocate for equal rights under the law, in employment and in mobility
You don’t have to be a lawyer to promote equal rights. Look around at your school or workplace to see if women and girls get the same access and opportunities as men and boys.
Did you spot an unfair rule? Talk about it with peers and colleagues to see how you can change this together.
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Combat discrimination in every aspect of daily life
Not the fighting type? Not a problem. There are many ways to resist unfair treatment. And it’s not just up to women. Men and boys are key actors in making sure we all get the same opportunities in life.
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Learn about the ways gender affects migration
If you don’t feel ready to be an advocate or a fighter just yet, start by educating yourself. There is so much to learn about gender equality and the better your understanding, the better you will feel.
Become part of the conversation
Start learning right here, right now. We have collected some key resources to get you started on a gender equality learning journey:
- UN Women Explainer on Gender and Migration
- Power on: How can we supercharge an equitable digital future
- I Know Gender: Gender Equality and Migration (Free E-course)
Equality, respect for diversity and inclusion start at home
Whenever we carry out awareness raising campaigns or youth engagement activities, we keep some things in mind:
- Is there a good gender balance among participants, leaders and facilitators for the activity?
- Are there any barriers for girls or boys to be part of the event and express themselves publicly?
- Did we hear the perspective of women migrants in this story?
IOM promotes safe migration and gender equality through the COMPASS initiative
Get to know some of our staff to see how they help migrants around the world:
A Message from Matilda Duncan on Gender Equality in Nigeria
Road to Equality Explainer Video
Meet The Staff: May Maze
Meet The Staff: Rouah
We as IOM need to stay aware and focused on keeping the balance.
Read about where IOM stands on diversity
Road to Equality is a campaign by the COMPASS initiative created with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands.
For more information, please visit:
www.iom.int/compass
