Introduction

Migration is a complex and multifaceted global phenomenon, profoundly shaped by and shaping gender dynamics. Women and gender-diverse individuals constitute nearly half of all international migrants, yet their experiences are often rendered invisible in policy and public discourse, leading to specific vulnerabilities and protection gaps. From the drivers of migration and the dangers encountered along perilous journeys to the challenges of integration and the opportunities for empowerment in destination countries, gender plays a critical role at every stage of the migratory process. Recognizing these distinct realities is crucial for developing policies that are not only gender-sensitive but also provide effective protection and promote the rights of all migrants, regardless of their gender identity. This essential training course focuses on Gender and Migration: Policy and Protection, equipping participants to champion just and equitable migration governance.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, border management officials, and legal professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate a gender perspective into migration policy and protection frameworks. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the human rights of migrants, explore the specific vulnerabilities and capacities of women and gender-diverse migrants, and learn how to develop and advocate for gender-responsive migration policies and protection mechanisms. The course will delve into topics such as gender-based violence in migration, human trafficking, labor migration, access to justice for migrants, and the role of international and national legal instruments. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Gender and Migration: Policy and Protection, participants will be empowered to design and implement policies that safeguard rights, foster inclusion, and promote the well-being of all migrants.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Government Officials (Migration, Interior, Labor, Gender Ministries)
• Immigration and Border Management Authorities
• Humanitarian and Development Professionals working on Migration
• Civil Society Organizations and NGOs focusing on Migrant Rights and Women's Rights
• Legal Aid Providers and Lawyers specializing in Migration Law
• Social Workers and Community Support Staff for Migrants
• Researchers and Academics in Migration and Gender Studies
• International Organization Staff (UN agencies, IOM)
• Law Enforcement Personnel
• Consular Officials

Course Objectives

• Understand the gendered drivers, patterns, and impacts of migration.
• Comprehend relevant international legal and policy frameworks for gender and migration.
• Analyze the specific vulnerabilities and protection needs of women and gender-diverse migrants.
• Learn to conduct gender-sensitive migration assessments and data collection.
• Develop strategies for preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in migration contexts.
• Acquire skills in designing and advocating for gender-responsive migration policies.
• Explore approaches to combatting human trafficking and exploitation through a gender lens.
• Understand the importance of access to justice and essential services for all migrants.
• Examine best practices and successful case studies in gender-responsive migration governance.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating gender into migration policies and programs.
• Enhance advocacy skills for migrant rights and gender equality.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Gender and Migration

• Defining migration, gender, and their interlinkages.
• Global and regional trends in female and gender-diverse migration.
• Understanding the push and pull factors of migration from a gender perspective.
• The feminization of migration: realities and myths.
• Intersectionality: how gender intersects with other identities (e.g., age, disability, sexual orientation) in migration.

Module 2: International and Regional Migration Frameworks through a Gender Lens

• The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and its gender dimensions.
• Relevant human rights conventions (e.g., CEDAW, Migrant Workers Convention).
• International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on migrant workers.
• Regional migration frameworks and their gender provisions.
• The role of international bodies in promoting gender-responsive migration.

Module 3: Protection Needs and Vulnerabilities in Migration

• Risks faced by women and gender-diverse migrants at different stages of migration (origin, transit, destination, return).
• Specific vulnerabilities to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
• The importance of understanding irregular migration and its gendered risks.
• Challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ migrants.
• The unique protection needs of migrant children and adolescents.

Module 4: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Migration Contexts

• Forms of GBV prevalent in migration: sexual violence, domestic violence, forced marriage, exploitation.
• Root causes and exacerbating factors of GBV during migration.
• Principles of survivor-centered response and ethical data collection on GBV.
• Prevention strategies and support services for GBV survivors.
• Role of humanitarian actors and host communities in GBV response.

Module 5: Human Trafficking and Exploitation: A Gender Perspective

• Differentiating between human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and exploitation.
• Gendered patterns of human trafficking: why women and girls are disproportionately affected.
• International and national legal frameworks to combat trafficking.
• Identification, referral, and protection of victims of trafficking.
• Addressing demand-side factors contributing to trafficking.

Module 6: Labour Migration and Economic Empowerment

• Gendered labor market segregation and its impact on migrant workers.
• Exploitation and abuse in specific sectors (e.g., domestic work, care work, agriculture).
• Protecting the rights of migrant workers, including fair wages and decent working conditions.
• Promoting economic empowerment and entrepreneurship for migrant women.
• The role of remittances and their gendered impacts on sending and receiving communities.

Module 7: Access to Justice and Essential Services for Migrants

• Barriers to accessing justice for migrant women and gender-diverse individuals.
• Legal aid services, reporting mechanisms, and redress for rights violations.
• Access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services.
• Access to education, housing, and social protection for migrants and their families.
• Strategies for legal regularization and pathways to long-term integration.

Module 8: Developing Gender-Responsive Migration Policies

• Principles of gender mainstreaming in migration policy development.
• Conducting gender impact assessments of migration policies and laws.
• Ensuring women's meaningful participation in policy formulation and implementation.
• Incorporating gender budgeting into migration governance.
• Best practices in national migration policies from a gender perspective.

Module 9: Data, Research, and Advocacy for Gender-Just Migration

• The importance of sex-disaggregated data and gender-sensitive indicators in migration.
• Methodologies for qualitative research on gender and migration.
• Advocating for the rights and protection of all migrants.
• Building partnerships between governments, civil society, and international organizations.
• The role of migrant associations and diaspora groups in advocating for change.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training