Policy Brief: Advancing the Rights of Ethiopian Migrant Women Domestic Workers

Accessing accurate information on and services for regular migration is not easy; Ethiopian women may rely instead on informal networks and unregistered recruitment agencies. Ethiopian migrant women travelling via irregular overland routes, as opposed to travelling by plane, face high risks of sexual and gender-based violence, including trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation. Upon reaching their destination countries and taking up domestic work, they often face abusive and exploitative situations. Health issues, including physical injuries and high rates of suicide, are widespread among Ethiopian migrant women domestic workers. Despite these harsh realities, some women secure relatively high salaries in comparison to those in Ethiopia and send significant portions of their salaries home to support their families. Upon returning to Ethiopia, many women face stigma, limited economic opportunities and psychological distress. Limited gender-responsive reintegration support further complicates their efforts to rebuild their lives and attain economic independence.