Women, Health and Migration Linda S. Williams, Ph.D. Women and Migration in the RCM Region San Salvador, El Salvador July 19, 2007

Health issues are important ! Health issues related to migration are often forgotten Global Commission on International Migration, 2005 – International Migration and Health Thematic Project Two success stories: Binational Health Week Health is a theme of Portugal’s presidency of the European Union, Sept 2007 meeting

What do we mean by “health”? It’s more than just physical well-being WHO definition: “A complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Determinants of Health Economic and social status Social support networks Education and literacy Employment and working conditions The social environment The physical environment Personal health practices and coping skills Healthy child development Biology and genetics Health services Gender and culture

For migrants, health is also determined by: Health prior to migration The experience of migrating Life after migration

Migration status directly affects health: Regular migrants (immigrants, temporary workers) Irregular migrants (undocumented) Refugees Refugee claimants/asylum seekers Smuggled women Trafficked women

Issues of special interest for women migrants Reproductive health Sexual abuse/violence Children’s health

Mental Health Issues Mental and social health issues are closely linked to migration status Mental health issues generally recognized as major issue for migrants Separation and social isolation can negatively affect migrant women’s mental health

Family Separation and Women Migrants Who is raising the children? The effect on family members left behind The effect on communities Remittances must be balanced against emotional and social losses

Migration to Canada from Mexico and Central America Refugees – 1980s and early 1990s Immigrants – Mostly family class Workers -Temporary and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program

Canada’s Migration Health Interventions Immigration Medical Exam – immigrants Interim Federal Health Program – refugee claimants Increasing attention to health issues related to migration

In conclusion, health is a very complex and crucial issue: Always include health in any policy analysis and project It’s not just about physical health !! Look to migrating women for help and inspiration

Muchas gracias. Thank you for your kind attention. Linda_S_Williams@phac-aspc.gc.ca