Young Arab Women and the Promised Paradise: An Effort at Understanding Female Migration

Abstract

Women’s migration from Arab countries is categorized in this study according to general characteristics and features depicted in prevalent indicators, statistics, events, and literature from both the Arab world and the international arena. In doing so, this research attempts to shed light on some aspects of the tortuous relationship between the phenomenon of irregular migration by Arab young women and development in Arab countries. One-sided analysis and explanations for the phenomenon of irregular migration undertaken by Arab young women, and interpretations of its causes that are limited to a single dimension, are excluded. The most likely interpretation of the phenomenon depends on a matrix of different and interrelated factors. The analysis concludes that the answers to questions around Arab illegal migration, by women in particular, depend to a great extent on various forms of development and their comprehensive economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions.