Full Breakdown
Rising Challenges for Women Migrants in Europe
12/6/2025, 6:11:20 AM
The Traumatic Journeys of Women Migrants
Esther, a Nigerian woman, fled her home in Lagos in 2016, seeking a better life in Europe. After enduring a violent foster home, she was lured by the promise of employment and safety. However, her journey turned traumatic as she was forced into sex work and faced multiple asylum claims across various countries. The European Agency for Asylum reports that while the majority of irregular migrants are men, the number of women traveling alone is increasing significantly. Irini Contogiannis from the International Rescue Committee noted a 250% rise in single adult women arriving in Italy via the Balkan route, alongside a 52% increase in family units.
The Risks Faced by Women Migrants
The perilous nature of migrant routes is exacerbated for women, who face heightened risks of sexual violence and exploitation. Esther's experience illustrates this grim reality, as she was betrayed and subjected to sexual abuse during her journey. Ugochi Daniels from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) emphasized that women often lack adequate protection, making them vulnerable to abuse by smugglers and traffickers. Many women are aware of these dangers yet proceed with their journeys, sometimes taking precautions such as carrying condoms or obtaining contraceptive devices.
Asylum Challenges and Policy Responses
After escaping exploitation in Libya, Esther crossed the Mediterranean and was rescued by the Italian coast guard. She faced multiple rejections before finally being granted refugee status. The shifting perception of Nigeria as a "safe" country has complicated asylum claims, with calls for stricter immigration policies growing louder in Europe. Nicola Procaccini, a member of Giorgia Meloni's government, stated that while it is essential to protect women in danger, mass migration cannot be sustained. Rakib Ehsan from the Policy Exchange think tank echoed this sentiment, advocating for prioritizing women and girls at immediate risk in conflict zones.
Gender-Based Violence and Asylum Rights
Many women, like Nina from Kosovo, argue that the abuse they face at home justifies their asylum claims. Nina highlighted the pervasive violence against women in Kosovo, where a significant percentage of women have experienced abuse. The Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention recognizes gender-based violence as a valid ground for asylum, yet its application remains inconsistent. Marianne Nguena Kana, Director of the End FGM European Network, pointed out that many asylum officials lack the training to address issues like female genital mutilation adequately, leading to wrongful denials of asylum claims.
Official Statements & Responses
The International Rescue Committee and various charity groups have called for better training for asylum officials to handle delicate issues surrounding gender-based violence. They argue that the current system often fails to protect vulnerable women adequately, despite legal frameworks designed to support them.
Verbatim Quotes
“A lot of asylum officials in the field are men who are insufficiently trained to deal with such a delicate issue [as female genital mutilation] - both medically and psychologically,” — Marianne Nguena Kana, Director of End FGM European Network
“People think everything is well in Kosovo, but that's not true,” — Nina, a 28-year-old asylum seeker from Kosovo
“It's impossible to sustain mass migration -- there is no way,” — Nicola Procaccini, MP in Giorgia Meloni's government
“But women are often expected to offer sex as part of the payment.” — Hermine Gbedo, anti-trafficking network Stella Polare
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While some sources highlight the increasing number of women seeking asylum, others emphasize the tightening of asylum policies across Europe, leading to inconsistent outcomes for female migrants. The debate continues regarding the adequacy of protections for women facing gender-based violence in their home countries.
