Image of Migration Theories Versus Remittance Behaviour of Migrant Women in Kenya

Development Studies

Migration Theories Versus Remittance Behaviour of Migrant Women in Kenya

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The linkages between development and migration have received increasing attention
by international institutions and donor agencies alike. With approximately half of all
migrants being women, the impact of financial and social remittances is presumably
mediated by gender relations. Interestingly, women‟s socio-economic contributions
and unique experiences have not been given the prominence they deserve, especially
in migration and remittance studies. Women have always been present in migratory
flows, traditionally as spouses, daughters and dependents of male migrants.
However, in the most recent decades there has been an increase in women‟s
autonomous migratory behaviour. Notwithstanding other factors such as the
migrants‟ marital and migration status, it has been argued that gender affects the
volume of remittances, with women sending back home more than men do. Given
the fact that migration has reached beyond national boundaries, the significance of
remittances as a key driver of national development, especially in developing
countries such as Kenya, cannot be ignored. This paper will attempt to make a
theoretical case that, even though no substantive data may exist, current thinking is
that migrant women are potential agents of development via pecuniary remittances.
They do not only send remittances but also return to their country of origin with
newly acquired skills and valuable knowledge. Indeed, previous studies have
established that Kenya and Nigeria are among the leading countries in sending
money through wire services. But most studies on remittance do not take a gender
approach and have not questioned the decision-making processes involved in
remittance behaviour. The migrant women‟s remittance behaviour in Kenya will be
reviewed based on a broader social development perspective as it relates to issues of
education, health, social welfare and political participation. Gendered aspects of
remittances will also be approached from the senders‟ as well as recipients‟
perspective. The theoretical findings will contribute towards building knowledge in
women‟s experiences as potential agents of change and development as well as in the
shaping of feminist perspective in remittance studies in Africa.

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Publication Information
: .,
Number of Pages
-
ISBN
-
Language
English
ISSN
2309-3625
Subject(s)
Migration
Migration theories
Remittance behaviour
Women & development
Gender & development
Women in Kenya
Description
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Citation
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Type
Article
Part Of Series
Pathways to African Feminism and Development- Journal of African Women Studies Centre, University of Nairobi;Volume 1, Issue 4
DOI Identifier
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