4 keys to boost the economic autonomy of migrant women entrepreneurs

More and more women are migrating in pursuit of their own life projects, in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families. In addition, migrant women are increasingly becoming key agents for development, both in terms of employability and entrepreneurship, creating new market opportunities and cross-border networks.

That is why supporting migrant women entrepreneurs is essential.

Within the framework of the Regional Project "Protection of Migrant Women in Central America and the Dominican Republic: Resilience and Prevention of Gender Violence", the IOM in alliance with the Federation of Businesswomen and Entrepreneurial Organizations of Central America and the Dominican Republic (FOMEECARD) recommends the following actions for companies and governments to promote the economic empowerment of migrant women: 

Training: soft skills, financial literacy and new technologies

It is crucial that organizations focus on capacity building in entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, leadership and negotiation. There are many networks of businesswomen that can develop training plans to implement with migrant women entrepreneurs who wish to start a business or economic activity in the countries of the region. 

Access to technology is one of the greatest challenges for the migrant population, so providing tools of this type is essential. Many migrants have no way of accessing virtual training sessions, since without a computer the cost becomes too high. Efforts should be made to facilitate the learning process and ensure that women entrepreneurs can stay for the entire training cycle.

In addition, technology can facilitate the defense of migrant women's rights. It allows them to access information on protection, health services, education, legal assistance or report situations of gender-based violence and other forms of abuse.

Employability: regularization, social protection and labor formalization

The promotion of employability - that is, possessing skills and attitudes that make it possible to obtain or keep a job - is an important mechanism for facilitating the economic integration of migrant women, in compliance with their labor rights and in decent working conditions. 

Providing formal employment opportunities can also contribute to migrant women's regularization processes, allowing them easier access to services and social protection in destination countries.

Entrepreneurship: access to credit, seed capital and fair financing

Entrepreneurship is a central strategy in providing livelihoods for migrant women and strengthening their economic autonomy. It is one of the keys to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes goals that aim to reduce global inequalities and achieve gender equality.

For these reasons, it is necessary to promote public policies where investment funds can be obtained, which are aimed at women, including migrant women, so that they can access financing and/or fair loans that allow them to grow as entrepreneurs.

One of the main challenges for women entrepreneurs is the sustainability of their projects. More women should be encouraged to join organizations led by other women, where they can be informed, advised and accompanied in the process of their integral empowerment.

Development of alliances and participatory strategies: sustainability in support networks

Since these communities are made up of women from different disciplines, support networks should not only be limited to creating business alliances between women, but also to providing legal, fiscal and financial support; especially for migrant women who want to start their entrepreneurial projects. Psychosocial care is also a key support for migrant women who have been victims of violence.

Partnerships between different sectors, including the public and private sectors, are essential to promote the development of migrant women entrepreneurs. A joint effort is required to leave no one behind, especially migrant women and girls.