Migration and Women's Voice and Agency in Senegal
Migration is a crucial livelihood strategy for millions of poor households worldwide, particularly in response to slow-onset climate impacts like water scarcity and declining agricultural yields. In rural Senegal, male out-migration to urban areas is common, with remittances playing a vital role in household survival. However, this migration reshapes household and community dynamics, particularly for women left behind. This project examines how male out-migration influences women's decision-making power within households and their participation in community governance. While some women gain greater control over financial resources and decision-making, others face increased workloads, limiting their autonomy. At the community level, male out-migration may drive shifts in gender norms, but the extent of this transformation remains unclear. Using survey data from 1,000 women in 144 rural communities, we explore these patterns of female empowerment and political participation.
Publications
Project start:
01. April 2024
Project end:
31. December 2024
Project staff:
Bernd Beber PhD,
Dr. Cara Ebert,
Rachel Fisher, Jordan Kyle, Zara Riaz
Project partners:
International Food Policy Research Institute