A Letter to Future Migrant Youth Advocates: Making a Difference with CMGJ
“Being a migrant youth advocate is about showcasing the beauty of diversity and inviting others to learn and be interested in the often challenging experiences of migrants.”
Nino Basaria, CMGJ Migrant Youth Advocacy Training (MYAT) Participant (2023)
Dear Future Migrant Youth Advocate - Being a migrant youth advocate has been an incredible journey;
One that has shaped me in ways that I never imagined. I am excited for the transformative journey that lies ahead of you. Becoming a migrant youth advocate has been an EYE-opening adventure, filled with remarkable opportunities and valuable lessons. Let me share with you some of my experiences and the profound impact they have had on me.
First and foremost, being a migrant youth advocate means becoming a representative of the unheard voices and breaking stereotypes. It's about showcasing the beauty of diversity and inviting others to learn and be interested in the often challenging experiences of migrants. Embracing this role has allowed me to use my unique perspective and opportunities to create positive change and address preconceived notions.
Throughout my participation in the Migrant Youth Advocacy Training (MYAT), I discovered a whole new world of knowledge and understanding. While I had previously focused on migration, the intersection of gender and migration was uncharted territory for me. Nevertheless, all the participants in the training had diverse backgrounds which enriched our discussions as each person brought their education, experiences, and perspectives to the table, which made the training truly instructive.
Why should we care about the intersection of migration and gender? Migration is a multifaceted phenomenon that shapes our world. It problematizes traditional state-centric approaches to mobility and demands a deeper understanding of its complexities. By acknowledging the gender dimension in migration, we shed light on the disproportionate challenges faced by migrant women due to negligent policies and inadequate support systems. Economic disparities and limited opportunities force many women to migrate, often leaving them in vulnerable situations. It is our responsibility to dismantle these barriers and create a more just and inclusive world.
During the training, we examined The Regulation for Asylum and Migration Management (RAMM) and the EU Gender Equality Strategy using CMGJ’s Gender-Migration Index (GMI). Through analyzing these frameworks, I gained insights into the nuances of the issues at hand, such as lack of gender-responsiveness and migrant-inclusion, etc. Here is what I found:
RAMM primarily focuses on bureaucratic fixes within the EU, overlooking the well-being of migrants. It fails to address gender dynamics, which are critical for creating inclusive policies. Similarly, the EU Gender Equality Strategy has been slow in establishing actionable measures for gender equality and more emphasis is needed on addressing gender stereotypes and digital disparities, especially as it concerns migration. As migrant youth advocates, it is our duty to hold EU institutions accountable and push for reforms that prioritize the rights of migrants in all their diversity.
Dear Future Migrant Youth Advocate - You have the power to change all of this.
CMGJ is a fantastic platform for young advocates. It is led by migrants, women, and youth. CMGJ's vision of gender justice beyond borders resonates deeply with me, as it emphasizes shared agency, representation, and accountability in protecting human rights for all. By joining CMGJ, you'll be part of a movement that aims to create a just society where migrant rights are safeguarded, gender disparities are tackled, and human dignity is at the forefront.
Picture this: thousands of young people from all corners of the world coming together in one place. As a participant in the MYAT, I became part of this movement, and spent an incredible weekend in Strasbourg attending the European Youth Event at the European Parliament. You'll meet fellow youth advocates like yourself, individuals who engage with EU institutions, and those seeking to network and find like-minded people. The energy is electrifying! But here’s the best part: you'll have the opportunity to directly interact with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), sharing your thoughts and making your voice heard at the highest level.
You will get an opportunity to have an informal conversation with MEPs who work on the matters that you are interested in! I had a chance to speak with Austrian MEP Thomas Waitzand to discuss Georgia’s aspiration of joining the EU and further objectives of EU expansion. That's precisely why CMGJ is the perfect platform—it guides you to the right spaces, instills courage and motivation, and empowers you to work towards your principles and goals.
Through the MYAT, as a migrant youth advocate, my demands became clear: gender-responsive asylum procedures must include protections from gender-based violence for women, girls, LGBTQIA+, and gender-diverse migrants. It is essential to fight for the rights and well-being of all migrants, regardless of their gender or background. By advocating for migrant-inclusion in the EU Gender Equality Strategy and gender-responsiveness in migration policy, we can strengthen protections for all.
Dear Future Migrant Youth Advocate - I encourage you to embark on this remarkable journey with CMGJ.
The experiences, knowledge, and connections you will gain will empower you to make a difference in the lives of migrant women, youth, and marginalized communities. Together, we can create a world that respects and protects human rights, period. If you want to make a change, I urge you to join this organization and be the voice that paves the way for a more just and inclusive society.
Wishing you the very best on your advocacy journey!
Sincerely,
Nini