The paradox of women migrant workers: agency and vulnerabilities. : Understanding the perspective of women migrant workers in Amman, Jordan 

Abstract: Migration has taken place throughout human history. However, push and pull factors for migration have changed, and some have not been identified during long periods of time. Since 1970, migration studies have  paid more attention to the role of women in migration processes, noting that patterns in migration are sometimes similar to men, but many other times differ, this is also known as the feminization of migration. Women, like men, migrate in search for a better future and new opportunities. Moreover, women migrant workers migrate to provide better future for their families back home. However, this migration process leaves great exposure to abuse and exploitation for both men and women. Feminist research argues, however, that this vulnerability is also gendered, affecting women and men differently. This study aims to contribute to understand the paradox of the agency of women migrant workers on the one hand, and vulnerabilities on the other, from the perspective of migrants themselves. Eleven interviews were conducted with women migrant workers in Amman. Some of the findings of this study show that the interviewees choose to migrate mainly due to economic needs, familial constraints and social structures,   which in turn influence their power over their rights and situation, leaving them in vulnerable conditions prone to abuse. Moreover, the alternatives for migration are limited by social and economic structures, in addition to lack of knowledge of rights and obligations.