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7B. MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

87 European Network of Migrant Women, Projects and Actions , see at: https://www.migrantwomennetwork.org/ projects/

88 The World Bank (2021), Literacy rate, adult female , (% of females ages 15 and above) , available at: https://data. worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.FE.ZS

The last decade has seen significant changes in the nature and pattern of migration flows into and within the EU. Cities are often the ultimate destination, thanks to the opportunities and networks they offer. For many local authorities facing incoming migration, strategies include promoting economic integration, reducing the risk of social exclusion, improving educational achievement of second and third-generation migrants and combatting the rise of racist and xenophobic movements. Female and male migrants are likely to face different and gendered challenges: while men may have difficulty getting paid work due to discrimination, women, particularly mothers, can find it hard to integrate. For example, the URBACT Arrival Cities Action Planning Network reported that migrant women often face additional hurdles to integration for a number of reasons, including their racial and religious identities. The European network of migrant women87, includes projects to combat the stigmatisation of migrants and refugees, specifically women, through intercultural dialogues, raising knowledge about the EU policies and promoting democratic and civic participation. According to the European Network of Migrant Women (ENW) a migrant woman, on average is nearly 10% less likely to read and write88, more likely to struggle with her mental health and also more likely to be paid less. She is also more likely to bear a heavier load than men in balancing work and caring responsibilities. ENW has developed women-centred ways of working that include gender-awareness sessions with staff and volunteers, as well as the development of women-centred case studies, engagement in discussions about the complexities that female migrants might experience and practical, achievable solutions for some of their challenges.

These range from the provision of sanitary products to trialling inspirational tools encouraging women to explore career and learning options beyond gender stereotypes. Of course, for undocumented migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, these gendered challenges increase exponentially; cities have a responsibility to consider gender in their response to supporting vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers as well as migrants. Above all in times of war and crisis, such as the current war in Ukraine, women and children are significantly more likely to be refugees. This affects the supplies, structures and programmes that cities establish to house and assist those fleeing from war, and in keeping them safe against gender-based violence and the risk of human trafficking.

A migrant woman, on average, is nearly

10% less likely to read and write than man. Migrant women are also more likely to struggle with mental health issues and to be paid less.

Source: European Network of Migrant Women