GENDER ANALYSIS OF MIGRANT WOMEN'S VULNERABILITIES: PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT

The article presents the results of Phase I of the project, organized with the support of the International Organization for Migration in Kazakhstan and Central Asia and financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July-August 2024. The article addresses current problems faced by migrant women in the Turkestan region, manifestations of gender discrimination in the context of migration. It underscores the urgent need to adjust and create gender-sensitive strategies of the host state to expand their rights and opportunities for migrant women. To ensure the principle of triangulation – ensuring a comprehensive, multifaceted analysis and reliability of the research outcomes - the study used a mixed-methods of sociological approach. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis techniques: surveys of migrant women and expert interviews of specialists in the field of migration. The comprehensive study engaged diverse stakeholders: employees of government and law enforcement officials, media representatives, and community leaders. The results of the initial stage of the project research provide a detailed understanding of the social status of migrant women, highlighting various types of gender discrimination. Moreover, the findings contribute to the formation of specific strategies for expanding opportunities and rights of migrant women within the host states.