HIV Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women: from Asia to the Arab States: Shifting from Silence, Stigma and Shame to Safe Mobility with Dignity, Equity and Justice

Abstract

Asia is one of the largest suppliers of migrant women sent for domestic work in the Arab states. In Sri Lanka, the economic gains through such migration, amounts to almost 8% of its GDP. In recent years, a number of women have been diagnosed with HIV and AIDS thus putting paid to the economic gains expected by them. This study was initiated to investigate the relationship between migration and the vulnerability of women to such risks in Asia. A study on the Sri Lankan situation revealed that Sri Lanka has been classified as a low HIV/AIDS prevalent country. Nevertheless the government has publicly stated that it is committed to stemming the proliferation of HIV/AIDS and has launched several programmes towards this end, particularly for women migrant workers.