Promoting Community Prosperity by Overcoming Gender and Migration Challenges

The contemporary tasks associated with the gender aspects of social inequality and migration settings compromise the stability of a society. They ought to be responded to with suitable and coordinated strategies. Globalization and population mobility are transforming societies and enhancing the oli, cultural, economic, and political approaches to these processes. Migration and gender issues, consequently, lead to abrupt changes in the changes in societies’ structure of residents’ living conditions and changes in access to resources and opportunities for women and migrants. 

This paper aims to investigate the effects of gender and migration difficulties on well-being and identify solutions to the challenges in the context of implementing inclusion strategies. The primary research questions of the study include exploring various existing trends of gender inequality, analysing the migration movement and its effects on the sociopsychoeconomic nature of communities, and evaluating the efforts aimed at migration integration and gender equality.

The increasing mobility ratifies the concept of topic flows and eliminates the gender gap, which is socially essential to maintain order and coherency. The gender-sensitive and culture-appropriate integration program is well articulated in several scholarships by reputable scholars such as Bastia and Piper[1], Boyd[2], Cantor and Maple[3] , and others on gender perspectives of migration and social reintegration. The article presented, in general, seeks to determine essential factors that affect the integration of migrants and fight against gender exclusion; enumerate barriers that hinder the provision of gender equality; propose among the most comprehensive solutions to increase integration and create enumerate barrier that hinders gender equality.

The Latest Research and Publications Analysis

This section discusses numerous pieces of literature on gender and migration difficulties that confer the welfare of societies. For example, Bastia and Piper[4] and Christou and Kofman[5] stress the inclusion and social integration of migrant women due to the implementation of social policies for the needs of women. Boyd[6] and Fleury[7] paid much attention to cultural factors that exclude migrant women from resources in the labor market. Furthermore, Elomäki and, Kantola[8], and Dodson[9] have argued that greater engagement in legal norms is a definite way of achieving gender equality to enhance the integration of migrants. Furthermore, Heider et al.[10] examine the effects of migration on development; they speak about the issue of balance in income distribution.

According to expanding migrants, especially women, and their role in public life, Castles[11] exclaimed that economic factors are important. They all point out the significance of institutional support and social services accessibility, which are considered crucial to minimize the social marginalization of immigrants, as Di Matteo and Scaramuzzino[12], Cantor, and Maple[13]. Park Wee[14] and Zucca Micheletto[15] categorized and discussed the assimilation experiences and challenges that affect migrants and women, explicitly calling for a shift from cultural prejudice. Regarding international aspects of gender equality in migration processes, references should be made to Anghel et al.[16] and Mora and Piper[17], who provide global analysis by paying attention to the role of social policies.

In turn, Uprety[18] and Xiao et al.[19] analyze the effect of the economic and social integration of migrants on their mental health, the results of which are critical for the formation of an inclusive approach. Lu explains several governments’ efforts towards integrating migrants[20] and prompts a particular focus on migrant women in social life. Last, Kofman and Raghuram[21], Wojtynska, and Skaptadóttir[22] focus on the role of political choices influencing the migration process and the gendered constraints on social integration in the host countries. Krause and Segadlo[23] have noted that several migrated women suffer forced movement and conflicts; they can access shelters but not safe shelters. However, reviewing Idahosa[24], it is revealed that the social construction of gender can be a barrier to women in gainful employment and education, particularly in migration. The issues of migrants’ exclusion and vulnerability to the effects of an economic downturn are discussed by Wojtynska and Skaptadóttir[25], Vershinina[26], which is why the calls for the elaboration of the relevant social reintegration and economic security policies are getting stronger. In this sense, Boucher and Piper[27] agree with this work when dealing with the institutional role, highlighting that access to resources is essential to eliminate gender barriers.

Therefore, improved gender and migration opportunities suggest that multiple levers must be addressed simultaneously. The accumulation of the analyzed sources exemplifies that only an economic, legal, and cultural solution can be successfully implemented to enhance the position of female migrants in the host countries.

Research Methods

The study was carried out to identify the factors of gender and migration which affect the welfare of communities. This ranking was calculated based on data collected from official international organization sources such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). The material also presents the Gender Inequality Index and statistics of International migration for 2015–2023 in chosen countries, including Ukraine, Poland, Germany, Italy, and Türkiye.

In terms of methodology, the quantitative analysis of gender inequality and migration flows provided an understanding of the change dynamics and identified differences and similarities between countries. More specifically, literature criticized in prior research was employed to analyze the social and cultural factors of migrant integration. The computation also involved a graphical representation of the indicators obtained to obtain a more efficient visualization of the issue’s essential features.

Research Results

Economic factors led to gender issues and migration challenges, which are available in the following categories: economic factors, social factors, cultural factors, legal factors, and political factors. All these factors affect migrants’ experiences in terms of adjustment, absorption in the community, and combating gender hurdles.

1.  Economic factors. Migration processes need economic context, and migrants’ ability to integrate into new communities depends on economic conditions. Migrants undoubtedly face economic instability, unemployment, lack of access to resources, and limited income inequality in the places they migrate to, and in many cases, women may also face gender forms of discrimination in the labor market. The research reveals that gender differences in wages and employment greatly restrict migrant women’s capacity to gain economic independence and integration. [28]^, [29]

2.  Social factors. Social isolation is usually a part of migration, as migrants often cannot make the social ties they lack and adjust to the new situation. Cultural stereotypes and gender expectations do not help migrant women to participate in public life. These types of challenges, however, can only be overcome by social factors like access to education, healthcare, and other social services.[30]

3.  Cultural factors. Cultural differences hinder or facilitate migrants’ integration into the local community. As a rule, migrants preserve their identity, and cultural conflicts will arise, especially if there is a contrast in views of the role of women in secular and religious people. The cultural heritage of migrants can become a source of potential other barriers to integration and social exclusion[31]^, [32]

4.  Legal factors. A primary factor affecting a woman’s conditions of stay and integration into the community is the existing legal norms governing migration and women’s rights. Misplaced government practices intended to guard the immigrant against sexual abuse and violence also deprive migrant women of employment, social services, and legal protection, as there are no precise mechanisms in place. Additionally, essential laws that protect the rights of migrants and gender equality facilitate the development of community well-being and equitable society.[33]^, [34]

5.  Political factors. Migration success and overcoming gender inequality depend directly on political decisions and government policies on migration. Migration comes with openness, gender equality, and policies that promote participation by the inhabitants in public life. Policies that encourage migration integration and help to minimize the challenges that migration places on society, for example, would promote migrant integration and equal opportunity for women. [35] [36]

However, these factors are related, and their interactions produce difficult and easy obstacles and opportunities to promote the crossing of gender and migration challenges among communities. The analysis of the existing research and publications related to gender and migration problems shows some significant trends that characterize current ways of studying and overcoming some of these issues. Studies that have been conducted recently focus on how integration processes work, gender inequality, how political and economic factors impact it, and cultural barriers.

1. Migrant adaptation and integration in communities. Studies like Christou and Kofman[37] examine how migrants adjust to new communities and focus on policies that ensure their well-being. The authors point out that migrants’ integration into the host society is possible only when they have access to social services and opportunities for education and employment.

2. Gender inequality differs among migrants. Different studies note that migrant women are vulnerable not only as migrants but also in terms of gender barriers. For example, migrant women might face discrimination in the labor market, which impedes them from obtaining the kind of financial independence and social ‘adaptation’ the market is supposed to address, Fleury[38]. Bastia and Piper[39] suggest that strategies for integration must consider women’s particular needs.

3. How state policy affects migrants. Political approaches to regulating migration shape migrants’ chances in new communities in very important ways. Castles[40] shows that national policies can restrict migrants’ rights and allow integration. Social inclusion policies support migrants’ inclusion into communities’ economic and social life.

4. Coming from a cultural barrier and social stereotypes. According to research, cultural differences are a significant obstacle to integration. As such, migrant women experience stereotypes about their new position in the host country and need to overcome cultural standards, Boyd[41] points out. This is especially important for countries where cultural norms have been traditional, and women’s gender roles are based on historical heritage.

5. It is institutional structures and social support. Cantor and Maple[42] reveal that social support and access to institutional resources are crucial for migrants. The Centre for Migrants and Social Adaptation programs help migrants integrate into the community and overcome adaptation obstacles.

Current research suggests the need for a comprehensive approach to overcoming gender and migration challenges. Inclusivity policies, access to social services, gender mainstreaming, and reducing cultural barriers are the main areas that can improve communities’ well-being. Table 1 below shows the dynamics of gender inequality and migration flows in countries worldwide in recent years. The data includes the Gender Inequality Index (GII) and the number of international migrants (in millions), disaggregated by sex.

Table 1. Dynamics of gender inequality and migration flows in the countries of the world
(2015–2020)

Source created by the author based on[43]^, [44]

The Gender Inequality Index (GII) reflects inequality between men and women in three areas: reproductive health, empowerment, and economic activity. The values range from 0 (complete equality) to 1 (complete inequality).

The number of international migrants refers to the total number of people living in the country but born outside of it.

Share of women among migrants: the percentage of women among the total number of international migrants.

Despite some improvements in the gender inequality index in some countries, the share of women among migrants remains relatively stable. This highlights the need for further efforts to address gender and migration challenges in communities. Table 1 shows a gradual decline in the gender inequality index (GII) in most countries, except Germany and Italy, where the GII values have slightly increased. For example, in Poland, the index decreased from 0.140 in 2015 to 0.115 in 2020, indicating an improvement in gender equality conditions. In Germany, the GII increased from 0.066 to 0.084, possibly due to the growing economic burden and increasing gender disparities in employment. The number of international migrants increased in most countries, especially in Germany (from 12 million to 13.1 million), due to migration waves caused by conflicts in the Middle East and growing demand for labor. The share of women among migrants remains stable or slightly decreases, as in the case of Türkiye (from 45.0 percent to 44.8 percent), which may indicate limited opportunities for women in the migration process.

Table 2. Dynamics of gender inequality and migration flows in countries of the world (2021–2023)

Source created by the author based on[45]^, [46]

Table 2 shows a continuing downward trend in the Gender Inequality Index (GII) after 2021 in most countries. In Poland, the GII decreased from 0.110 in 2021 to 0.100 in 2023, reflecting active measures to promote gender equality. In Germany, the GII also decreased from 0.080 to 0.075, possibly due to policies aimed at supporting women in the labor market. The number of international migrants grew, particularly in Germany, from 13.5 million to 14.0 million, possibly due to increased global mobility following the pandemic. The share of women among migrants is gradually decreasing in all countries, which may be the result of limited opportunities for women migrants in the new environment and challenges in the process of adaptation.

The three graphs below show the dynamics of critical aspects of gender and migration challenges in the selected countries for 2015–2023. The Gender Inequality Index (GII) (Figure 1) shows changes in gender inequality, with most countries showing a gradual decline in the index, indicating a reduction in gender inequality. Changes in the share of women among migrants (Figure 2) illustrate the share of women among international migrants. The share has remained relatively stable in most countries, with minor fluctuations. Trends in the number of international migrants (Figure 3) reflect an overall increase in the number of international migrants, especially in Germany and Italy. This may be related to economic opportunities and the adoption of policies that facilitate labor inflows.

Figure 1. Dynamics of the gender inequality index (GII)

The graph shows that in Poland, the gender inequality index decreased from 0.140 in 2015 to 0.100 in 2023, indicating an improvement in gender equality. Over the same period, the index decreased from 0.286 to 0.275 in Ukraine. At the same time, in Germany, the index initially increased from 0.066 in 2015 to 0.084 in 2020 and then decreased to 0.075 in 2023, which may indicate temporary difficulties in ensuring equal opportunities.

Figure 2. Dynamics of the share of women among migrants

The share of women among migrants remained stable or slightly decreased. For example, in Türkiye, this figure fell from 45.0 percent in 2015 to 44.5 percent in 2023. In Germany, the share of women remained almost unchanged, with a slight increase from 49.5 percent in 2015 to 49.7 percent in 2020 and a decrease to 49.5 percent in 2023. This stability may indicate difficulties for female migrants in accessing economic opportunities.

Figure 3. Dynamics of the number of international migrants

In Germany, the number of migrants increased from 12.0 million in 2015 to 14.0 million in 2023, reflecting the country’s attractiveness to migrants due to its stable economy. In Italy, the number of migrants increased from 5.8 to 6.6 early that year. Conversely, in Ukraine, the number of migrants decreased from 5.9 million in 2015 to 5.2 million in 2023, perhaps a result of the country’s economic and political troubles.

Table 3. Recommendations for improving community well-being by addressing gender and migration issues

The recommendations focus on building migrants’ integration, women’s economic benefit, social cohesion, and discrimination reduction.

Discussion

The observations demonstrate that there are colossal gender and migration challenges that undermine the riches of the communities and highlight the significance of a generalized approach to resolve them. Furthermore, our results regarding the decline of the gender inequality index in Poland and Ukraine correspond with previous studies that illustrate the positive effect of government initiatives on gender inequality[47]^, [48]. However, at the same time, the stable or only slight decrease in the share of women among migrants, like in Türkiye and Italy, is indicative of persisting social and economic barriers to female migrants, as shown by the work of Fleury[49] and Di Matteo[50]. The fact that gender needs have to be factored into the policies that apply to migration means that policies must be adapted. In addition, the results suggest that the number of international migrants in Germany and Italy is growing, and stable economic conditions and the active migration policies of these countries also explain that. According to Castles,[51] such positive attitudes toward migration and ‘making opportunities for economic integration’ expand the migrant stocks. Nevertheless, cultural and social barriers can explain the contradiction that migration growth is not matched with rising labor market opportunities for women, as Christou and Kofman[52] have shown for the persistence of gender stereotypes in host communities.

This study also finds that the number of migrants in Ukraine has decreased because of economic instability and the onset of internal crises. That is in line with the assumptions of Di Matteo and Scaramuzzino[53], who argue that economic uncertainty dramatically impacts migration processes. These results suggest the importance of additional research to examine how economic stability affects the flow of migrants and the opportunity for integration. These findings suggest that further research could be carried out studying how effective specific policies are in facilitating women migrants in various countries, paying particular attention to countries where gender inequality continues to be high. In a nutshell, policies of a more adaptable nature aiming to address immigrant women’s economic and cultural requirements simultaneously are still required for sustainable and inclusive community development.

Conclusion

The study finds that solving gender and migration challenges matters a lot to the well-being of communities. The decrease in the gender inequality index in some countries indicates positive changes in gender equality. However, the stability or slight decrease in the share of women among migrants shows that social barriers for women remain relevant. Despite the expected progress in ensuring equal opportunities for women migrants, cultural and social barriers limit their access to economic resources. The growth of migrant populations in countries such as Germany and Italy confirms the demand for migrants and favorable economic conditions but also points to the importance of improving policies to adapt migrant women.

In contrast, the decline in migration flows to Ukraine highlights the constraints faced by countries with difficult economic situations, which affect the attractiveness of potential migrants. The novelty of this study lies in the emphasis on the importance of simultaneously considering the economic, social, and cultural aspects of migrant integration, particularly for women. However, a limitation of the study is the insufficient data to analyze specific social and cultural barriers in each country, which requires additional qualitative research to gain a deeper understanding of these aspects. Further research in this area should focus on the impact of individual policies and programs to support migrants in their economic integration and social adaptation, especially with a focus on gender. It is also advisable to evaluate the effectiveness of existing approaches in the context of global migration challenges, which would allow for the development of more flexible and inclusive models to support migrants in host countries.