E/2006/27 E/CN.6/2006/15 Chapter I Matters calling for action by the Economic and Social Council or brought to its attention A. High-level panel discussion on the gender dimensions of international migration Summary submitted by the Chairperson of the Commission 1. The following summary, submitted by the Chairperson of the Commission, is brought to the attention of the Council for transmittal to the General Assembly at its high-level dialogue on international migration and development, to be held in New York on 14 and 15 September 2006: High-level panel discussion on the gender dimensions of international migration* 1. At its 9th meeting, on 2 March 2006, the Commission on the Status of Women held a high-level panel discussion on the theme “The gender dimensions of international migration”. The panellists were Monica Boyd, Canada Research Chair in Sociology, University of Toronto; Manuel Orozco, Senior Associate, Inter-American Dialogue, United States of America; Ndioro Ndiaye, Deputy Director-General, International Organization for Migration, Geneva; Maruja Milagros B. Asis, Director of Research and Publications, Scalabrini Migration Centre, Philippines; and Irena Omelaniuk, Migration Adviser, World Bank. The panel was moderated by Carmen María Gallardo (El Salvador), Chairperson of the Commission. 2. The high-level panel discussion provided the opportunity for the Commission to examine the multidimensional aspects of international migration from a gender perspective and to provide input to the General Assembly at its High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, to be held in New York on 14 and 15 September 2006. 3. Women were active participants in migration within and between countries. Statistics indicated, for example, that the proportion of women among international migrants had reached 51 per cent in more developed regions. Women moved on their own as the principal wage earners or for family reunification purposes. Most women moved voluntarily, but women and girls were also forced to migrate owing to conflict and violence. There was increasing recognition that gender biases existed in the migration process, resulting in women’s experiences being different from those of men, including in relation to exit and entry and in countries of destination. Causes and outcomes of migration could be very different for women and for men. 4. The linkages between migration and development were identified as critical. A holistic and comprehensive approach was required to address the multidimensional aspects of international migration. Poverty and lack of access to economic resources were identified as main factors influencing the propensity of women to migrate. Increased socio-economic development, including through investments in the health sector, might lead to disincentives * For the discussion, see chap. II, paras. 41-46. 1