Urban Migration and Integration Challenges Based on Gender in European Metropolises
Cities are for Everyone, Not Just Men
Let's face it, cities are often designed with a male-centric mindset, and this can create problems for women and other marginalized groups. This skewed perspective restricts women's social and economic opportunities and exacerbates inequalities, especially for migrants.
In 2020, only 14% of arrivals along some main European entry routes were women, pointing to a gendered imbalance in migration patterns. But does the root cause of this imbalance also lie in gender-based biases?
The Lady Migrant, a Rare Sight
Research shows that families often choose to send men or boys abroad because of the perceived greater survival chances. They might earn money for the family, less likely to experience sexual harassment, and more likely to navigate difficult situations[1]. These gender norms create a stereotype of the 'male migrant,' making women more likely to be seen as dependent and powerless[2].
Intersecting Challenges for Women Migrants
Women migrants face various social and institutional disadvantages that can be traced back to gender discrimination. Access to employment and language learning opportunities are lacking, creating a chasm between genders in chances for integration[2]. Safety concerns, cultural norms, and family pressures further compound these problems.
In Stockholm, Sweden, female refugees, from Ukraine, Latin America, Syria, and Palestine, exposed the multiple barriers they faced during a HOUSE-IN meeting. Annegret Haase from HOUSE-IN explained, "The obstacles come together and reinforce each other," for example, being a woman, being a refugee, and being a vulnerable person in another country[2].
In London, older women who have lived there for over 20 years but never learned English were particularly hard-hit. They were excluded from wider society, often segregated within their cultural communities. Even those who learned the language preferred male relatives to communicate with services[2].
Voiceless in Daily Life
Female-led households can encounter discrimination, even from within their families. Budgeting decisions are often made by men, and women are less likely to voice their concerns[2]. In the UK and Germany, evidence shows that women play a passive role in decision-making[2].
Social housing assignments can contribute to this issue when they prioritize wealthier individuals over those who genuinely need it. Collaborative housing, which offers gender-sensitive accommodation and a sense of community, may provide a better alternative for these women[2].
A Mountain of Challenges
The problems faced by female migrants don't end there:
- Gender norms and expectations about domestic chores, child-raising, and caring responsibilities can weigh heavily[2].
- Sex discrimination and the wage gap further limit opportunities[2].
- Pre- and post-natal care may be inadequate, and childbirth fees can be unaffordable[2].
- Women are at a higher risk of exploitation, and abuses, and have a greater fear of crime when moving around the city[2].
- Transgender and intersexual persons living in precarity face similar vulnerabilities[3].
Recognizing international qualifications can also be a struggle[4]. Limited opportunities, poor living conditions, unfavorable labor market situations, and transport difficulties were concerns raised repeatedly by women throughout the research[2].
Gender Bias in Access to Services
Fear of safety and social isolation can prevent women from engaging with activities and services, hindering their opportunities for integration and support[2]. Health professionals have observed that migrant women who do not speak the local language rely heavily on male relatives to interpret, creating a barrier to care[2].
In some cases, shelters are overcrowded, noisy, and lack privacy, causing distress to women residents and their children[3]. In Vienna, fewer places are made available for women, exacerbating their exclusion and vulnerabilities[3].
Despite these challenges, studies suggest that social links and solidarity within female migrant groups can lead to meaningful local connections[5]—but this requires safe and supportive spaces for women to gather, speak up, and share their experiences[5].
Cities can make a difference by actively listening to and involving vulnerable female migrants, prioritizing their needs, and ensuring their representation in decision-making processes[6]. Providing resources, funding, and training to community organizations can help empower female migrants and strengthen their voices[6].
[1] McIntyre, Joanna. "The Art of Belonging."
[2] JPI Urban Europe, various projects.
[3] HOUSE-IN, "Impact Report."
[4] LoReMi, "Final Report."
[5] EMPOWER, "Evaluation Report."
[6] MAPURBAN, "Report."
- The gendered imbalance in migration patterns, such as the 14% of arrivals along main European entry routes being women in 2020, is a concern that intersects with politics and general news, raising questions about the root causes of such imbalances and their impact on women.
- As mentioned in the meeting by female refugees in Stockholm, Sweden, women migrants often face multiple barriers, including institutional and social disadvantages, safety concerns, and limited access to resources. These challenges can be traced back to gender discrimination, and addressing them is crucial in policies related to migration, politics, and general news.
