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Motivations and Impacts of Burundian Women’s Migration to Middle Eastern Countries: A Study Involving Women Back Home in 2024

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  • Audace NTIGAYIRWA

    (Student of Master’s Degree in Population and Development – Department of Geographic, Environment and Population Sciences – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FLSH) – University of Burundi – Burundi)

  • Jean François Régis SINDAYIHEBURA

    (Department of Geographic, Environment and Population Sciences – Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences – Center for Research and Studies on the Development of Societies in Reconstruction (CREDSR) – University of Burundi –Burundi)

Abstract

The research is intended to analyse the effects of women’s migration on themselves and their families, focusing on the balance between opportunities and risks. It intends to identify the main reasons why Burundian women are migrating to the Middle East, and to explore the positive and negative socio-economic impacts of their migration. This study was carried out using a qualitative method based on thematic content analysis of the life stories of migrant women back to Burundi. The research results show that Burundian women migrate mainly because of poverty, need for business assets and employment, housing problems, avoidance of stigma, low wages and search for autonomy. This migration has positive impacts such as the acquisition of business assets, land purchase housing self-construction, financial support for families remaining in Burundi, economic empowerment of migrant women, and education of children. However, the negative impacts include the poor living conditions and health problems of children, hard working conditions, difficulties related to family separation, and stigmatization. These results highlight the complex socio-economic implications of Burundian women’s migration, with material and financial benefits, but also social and economic challenges. These findings underscore the complex realities of Burundian women’s migration, highlighting both material and financial benefits and significant social and economic risks. This duality calls for targeted interventions to address the vulnerabilities faced by these women and ensure their well-being, as well as that of their families.

Suggested Citation

  • Audace NTIGAYIRWA & Jean François Régis SINDAYIHEBURA, 2025. "Motivations and Impacts of Burundian Women’s Migration to Middle Eastern Countries: A Study Involving Women Back Home in 2024," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(1), pages 3464-3475, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:i:1:p:3464-3475
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Staab, Silke, 2004. "In search of work. International migration of women in Latin America and the Caribbean. Selected bibliography," Asuntos de Género 5917, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
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