DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT:     

National Network of Mongolian Women’s NGOs, MONFEMNET, has engaged IRIM on several research projects studying women’s participation in political process, women’s rights and social welfare issues.

From October to December 2008, IRIM successfully undertook a case-study on immigration and women ‘left behind’ in Uvurkhangai province of Mongolia. Supported by MONFEMNET and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, IRIM employed a qualitative research approach to identifying the impact of immigration backlogs on women left behind, women’s lack of equal economic opportunities; including access to higher education and wage parity, drivers of immigration and its future trends. Moreover, through a document analysis and in-depth interviews, this research elaborated on the various mechanisms by which women affected by immigration are exposed to further exploitation, disadvantages and burdens.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED:     

The results of this study called for comprehensive reform that considers the protection of women and equal opportunity environments for those women left behind during the immigration process. And by using a qualitative approach, was able to focus attention on the often silent voices of women in these positions. This research served as a baseline for designing intervention activities and programs and has the potential to provide a useful evidence base for making relevant policies and regulations.