UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women and Girls
From a migration perspective, there is a need to raise awareness on understanding what GBV is and its potential risks, among migrant communities and employers. This awareness raising can include on how to use the hotlines available in the country and how to access institutions that provide support for GBV matters. Additionally, the shelter for migrant women established by the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) can be a safe space to provide GBV survivors with access to all services including health, legal and psychosocial support.
Given how gender shapes every stage of the migrant journey, IOM is committed to mainstream gender considerations in its policies and programs and contribute to gender equality. This includes ensuring the protection and rights of domestic workers and Victims of Trafficking. IOM works with partners to preserve the wellbeing and dignity of women and girls not only during the sixteen days but every day of the year.
Globally, the increased vulnerability to GBV is a result of structural and gender inequalities, including a lack of access to safe and regular migration pathways. GBV is evident in the labor migration process and women may be exploited in all and any stage of their migration journey including the deployment , recruitment , employment and return stages making them vulnerable to exploitation in countries of origin , transit and destination.
Gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be one of the most widespread human rights abuses in the world, affecting women and girls in particular, and impacting entire communities. As IOM, our campaign this year is #Empowertoprotect which incorporates addressing the root causes of GBV, and supporting survivors.