Sexual Harassment against Migrant Women in Europe's Informal Labor Market

Abstract Sexual harassment and violence in the workplace remain under-recognized occupational health risks, particularly for migrant women in low-paid, informal sectors. Epidemiological studies increasingly highlight disproportionate exposure among migrant workers employed in domestic work, caregiving, hospitality, and agriculture. A 2022 survey by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) found that nearly one in three migrant women in Europe had experienced some form of workplace harassment. However, underreporting remains a pervasive barrier, largely due to fear of retaliation, precarious legal status, and lack of trust in institutional support. This presentation will review the latest epidemiological evidence on sexual harassment affecting migrant workers, focusing on the types, patterns, and situational dynamics of abuse. Drawing on an EU-funded qualitative research conducted with 66 victimized migrant women working in domestic and care roles across four European countries, the presentation will explore different forms of sexual harassment and how these are shaped by the nature of informal, isolated, and gendered work environments. The presentation will also examine the current European policy landscape through the lens of ILO Convention and will provide a global standard for addressing violence and harassment in the world of work. Gaps in labor legislation, inadequate occupational health protections, and poor intersectoral coordination will be highlighted in relation to migrant and informal workers.