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

2. 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

3. 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.”

4. 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

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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. Muchas gracias. Thank you for your kind attention.