Migration and strong women: Gambia in the focus of the change!

Migration and strong women: Gambia in the focus of the change!

In February 2023, a group traveled by IAK and nature lovers, to Gambia, traveled to the situation of women and the topic of migration. This trip aims to shed light on the challenges and conditions that many women experience in the context of migration. The group had the opportunity to speak to activists, initiatives and politicians on site and to explore rural areas where the social and economic realities of women are particularly obvious.

reports of the tour guides and participants address various aspects such as causes of flight, deportation and the organization of life in villages. The women's association Yiriwa Kafo, which runs a community garden in Barrow Kundas, is particularly emphasized to promote local nutritional security and strengthening women. Topics such as the return of migrants from Libya and the importance of water for the emancipation of women by the Mayor of Banjul were also discussed. The aim of the trip is to talk to interested parties about migration, climate change and responsibility.

challenges through social norms

An accompanying study by Sait Matty Jaw, Fatou Gassama and Judith Altrogge shows the complex background of gambian women who question social norms through risky “backway” trips to Europe. These trips are often not only motivated by economic hardship, but also through personal ambitions and the desire to escape patriarchal restrictions. Women in Gambia are often faced with limited economic possibilities and are considered passive in many cases.

more and more women are taking on the role of nutrients and thereby change social norms. However, their migration often remains shaped by gender challenges. So many women migrate secretly, for fear of social rejection or family resistance. Some women flee from forced marriage or abuse situations. An example from the study describes a young woman who escaped domestic violence and moved to Germany with the help of a stranger.

risks and resilience of women

The study emphasizes that female migrants are exposed to a higher risk of sexual violence and exploitation on irregular migration routes. Despite the multitude of dangers, these women show remarkable resilience and their experiences reflect the numerous challenges of migration and the ongoing struggle against gender -specific discrimination in Gambian society. After their return, many women are confronted with social stigma, especially when their migration is considered "failed", while male migrants are often celebrated.

Overall, the journey of nature lovers and the accompanying study illustrates how important it is to integrate the perspectives of women into discourse on migration and at the same time critically question the existing social structures in Gambia.

For more information, visit the reports of the Naturfreunde and the study on the challenges of Gambischer Women on gambiaj.com .