The Interplay between Ethiopian Women’s Migration to the Gulf States and Family Background in South Wollo, North-East Ethiopia

Abstract

Migration remains a defining global issue in the twenty-first century, particularly evident in the phenomenon of women‟s migration towards the Gulf States from certain Ethiopian communities like South Wollo . Throughout their migration journey, migrants encounter significant hurdles and exploitation, from departure to arrival at their destinations. Criticism of previous migration studies for their narrow focus on micro-level dynamics and oversimplified economic perspectives underscores the need for research situating migration within a family context. This study explores the intricate interplay between women‟s migration and family background in MekaneSelam town of Southern Wollo, located in the northeastern part of Ethiopia. Employing a mixed-sequential exploratory research design, the study recruited 362 respondents for a household survey using multi-stage stratified sampling. Additionally, twenty informants were selected through purposive sampling for qualitative inquiry. Qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Binary logistic regression results revealed significant predictors of household migration status, including family size, religious denomination, migration experience, and family livelihood. Notably this study showed that migrant-sending households tended to have larger family sizes, past migration experience, reliance on remittances for livelihood support, and predominantly identified with the Muslim religion. However, in the study community, the association between women‟s migration and specific household features is diminishing. The practice of sending a family member to the Gulf States is gradually becoming normalized and socially acceptable. Parents increasingly provide implicit motivation and practical support for their daughters' migration endeavors. Given the pivotal role of the family in driving and normalizing this form of labor migration, migration management initiatives should prioritize the family as a fundamental social institution. Acknowledging and addressing the family's influence can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of migration governance efforts.