Why Do Women Leave?

Women Fund “Sukhumi’s” new report “Why Do Women Leave? The Gender Dimension of Women’s Migration Drivers Through the Lens of Rights, Social Factors, and Intersectional Vulnerability” presents the findings of a study conducted in 11 municipalities of Western Georgia, involving 600 women respondents. The report analyses the phenomenon of women’s migration from a gender perspective, viewing migration not merely as an economic process but as one rooted in multifaceted social, rights-related, and structural causes.

The data reveals that for many women migration is not a matter of choice but rather a forced strategy to escape domestic violence, rights-based subordination, and lack of social services. Migration intentions are particularly high among young and economically active women, which has significant implications for the country’s demographic structure and prospects for social development. The report highlights the role of intersectional vulnerability, such as displacement, proximity to conflict-dividing lines, and social insecurity, which further heighten migration risks. The study demonstrates that preventing forced migration requires comprehensive and gender-sensitive policies oriented towards strengthening women’s economic, social, and rights-based empowerment.

The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot

 für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)