UN Women, Partners deliver training on Gender-Responsive Reintegration Service to Migrant Women Returnees

In response to the challenges faced by migrant women returnees in Ethiopia, UN Women has been diligently providing support to safe and dignified reintegration services. UN Women Ethiopia in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs organized a capacity-building training from 29 to 31 May 2024 in Bishoftu Town, Oromia Region. 

The training aimed to enhance the capacity of service providers and government stakeholders in gender-responsive reintegration assistance and services for migrant women returnees. The training brought together policymakers, government stakeholders, civil society organizations, members of the Victims Protection and Reintegration Working Group, and the media.

Mr. Tilahun Kassahun, Senior Expert in Monitoring and Support of Returning Citizens at the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, highlighted the increasing challenges of migration in Ethiopia. A significant portion of migration is irregular, leaving many migrants vulnerable to various forms of violence. “It is very notable that migrants lack awareness about the migration process and its challenges, which compounds the issue. Additionally, there is a big gap during mass deportations regarding how to process the cases of each returnee, as they often carry trauma from their migration experiences, making reintegration even more challenging.”

“To address these challenges, an integrated approach is essential. Inclusive and sustainable reintegration services must be prioritized to better support migrant women. While advocating for safe migration, it’s important to recognize that not all migration should be halted; instead, legal migration pathways should be encouraged for the safety and well-being of citizens,” Mr. Tilahun reiterates. Additionally, he stressed the need for collaborative efforts across organizations to ensure safe migration practices based on the training insights. 

Ms. Woubrest Ashenafi, Senior Prosecutor and Migration Expert at the Ministry of Justice, National Partnership Coalition Secretariat on migration. “The participation of experienced and diverse trainees made the sessions engaging and thought-provoking. The interactive nature of the training left an unforgettable experience for all,” she said.

“Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of gender principles. It became evident that our planning as a ministry should consider the impact on women from the planning stage. As a coalition that collaborates with partners to organize capacity-building trainings, we need to assess whether our activities truly empower women and lead to a meaningful change in their lives," said Ms. Woubrest.

UN Women Ethiopia, with generous support from the government of Germany, is implementing the three-year project “Making Migration Safe for Women” project to ensure migration is safe for women migrating from, into, through and back to Ethiopia, and that international norms and standards for protecting and promoting migrant women’s rights are strengthened