Influence of migration in women emancipation: case study from Kosovan Albanian diaspora

Abstract

In many undeveloped Mediterranean countries with few occupational possibilities, international migration from late 1960's become a matter of government policy, frequently through bilateral agreements for guest workers. Initially part of these agreements were only men, who migrated toward European counties as seasonal workers. This type of migration created attitudes among the Albanian population in Kosovo that international migrations are mainly for men. However, being in such places with high employment opportunities, profits and life standard, many of them decided to continue living in host countries, bringing thus their family members along. This move gave the to the Kosovar Albanian women opportunity to become part of host societies and possibility to Albanian population to understand that migration as a right which belong to both genders' equally.Initially, migrated women who joined their husbands came mainly from rural and low educated families and were personally and mentally unprepared for a new life in an alien environment. Even though their integration into host societies was challenge for them, we argue that migration has affected their status and family life, as well. By entering into a wage earning production process they become more independent and active in family decision processes, families became egalitarian, relations between family members became more open and their social networks were expanding. Additionally, recent female migrants are more open into integration processes. They are showing interest for involvement into labor market and educational processes, meaning that beside job, they tend to ensure the position at profession, as well.These criteria of emancipation we will prove by using ethnographic research technique, which implies the collection and analysis of detailed in-depth interviews (life stories) of Kosovan Albanian migrants in Germany and Switzerland. By women’s narratives, through which they express themselves, will draw a conclusion about integration strategies and way of living in host societies. While, the husbands and children’s narratives will be used to prove the changes in their family life.