By AIT Public Affairs
10 November 2023: In a recent online seminar organized by the Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT) Center on Gender and Forced Displacement, scholars highlighted the institution’s endeavors to tackle gender, forced displacements, and migration challenges. The event ‘Seminar on Gender and Forced Displacements- Protection of Ukranian and African Refugees’ provided insights into the experiences of refugees and migrants across diverse contexts.
Central to the seminar was AIT’s commitment to advancing gender equality and social inclusion within the migration discourse. The institution is taking significant strides to comprehend, analyze, and address the distinctive challenges confronted by women, men, young people, and other gender minorities in the migration process.
Leading the initiative, Professor Paula Banerjee emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of gender dynamics in migration. The objective of the webinar was to contribute to policymaking and academic discourse that mirrors the diverse experiences of migrants, with a particular emphasis on gender-sensitive approaches.
Two compelling presentations by emerging scholars, Anastasiia Lukina and Esme Starke, focused on the difficulties faced by Ukrainian refugees in France and Rwandan refugees in Nakivale, respectively.
Anastasiia Lukina presented her research on Ukrainian refugee mothers in France, providing insights into the complexities of integration. AIT actively promotes research exploring the intersectionality of gender, migration, and identity. Lukina’s findings revealed both facilitating and constraining factors for integration, highlighting the significance of policies and social initiatives. AIT is leveraging these insights to inform discussions and advocate for more inclusive migration policies.
Esme Starke, in her presentation, spotlighted the challenges faced by Rwandan refugees in Nakivale, particularly focusing on the paradox of self-reliance. AIT recognizes the need for nuanced research capturing the complexities of refugee experiences, especially in prolonged displacement scenarios. Starke’s research underscored the role of humanitarian aid in hindering self-reliance, prompting AIT to call for a reevaluation of aid strategies to empower refugees in their journey toward independence.
As AIT continues to spearhead research initiatives in gender and migration, it issues a global call to action. The institution aims to collaborate with policymakers, academics, and NGOs to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for migrants, ensuring that gender considerations are central to the dialogue.
The online seminar not only showcased AIT’s dedication to addressing gender and migration issues but also underscored the critical role of research in shaping policies that foster equality and empowerment. AIT stands at the forefront of this crucial conversation, inviting stakeholders worldwide to join hands in building a more just and inclusive future for displaced and migrants of all genders.
