HUMAN DISPLACEMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY: THE CASE OF VENEZUELAN WOMEN IN MEXICO

Abstract

The mobility of the population on a global scale has remained around 3%. There has been no significant growth in this number in recent decades. However, an increase in flows originating from and destined for the Global South has been observed. Part of this flow has been refugees, fleeing the precarious living conditions in their home countries. Since 2015, Venezuela has seen a growing emigration flow. Initially, immigrants sought to settle in nearby countries, such as Colombia and Peru. With the persistence of the crisis, they have started seeking new destinations, with Mexico being one of them. In migration routes, social inequalities are present, including gender inequality. Displacements observed in the early 21st century have shown diverse profiles, such as the growing number of women migrating. This is the case with Venezuelan women in Mexico, who account for 58% of the total Venezuelan population in the country. Given that women face specific challenges when moving across spaces, this study aims to investigate the migratory experience and the challenges faced by Venezuelan women in Mexico. The research was based on semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, conducted both in-person and online, with 27 Venezuelan women. The results indicate that Venezuelan women working in the Mexican labor market earn less than men. Additionally, they suffer from episodes of discrimination, xenophobia, and harassment.