From September 2018 to February 2019, as part of an outreach initiative, the Gender Equality Division supported a group of Masters students from Sciences Po Strasbourg in their research on the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls. As a result, the students produced a report looking at the needs and situation of this group of women, and at gender gaps in relation to migration and asylum policies. The report identifies potential action to be taken by various stakeholders to better protect the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls.

The report was presented at an event on 8 February attended by colleagues from different sectors of the Organisation. A discussion followed the presentation, focusing on the particular situation of migrant, refugee and asylum seeking girls, the particular risks of violence they incur, and on the need for international aid and development policies to address women’s rights and gender equality issues in countries of origin.

The topic of this outreach activity was chosen in view of the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023, which includes an Objective on protecting the rights of migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women and girls.