Feedback Session

Migration and Mobility

 
 

In this feedback session we discuss the chapter „Gender Equality in the Arctic: Migration and Mobility“. Overall we are interested in exploring net-migration from a gender perspective and the reasons for migration trends in the Arctic.

More specifically, we focus on

  1. gender and the increase in immigration to the Arctic, mainly from countries outside the Arctic,
  2. gendered youth migration, and especially the potential of youth out-migration (either to other regions within the respective countries or international out-migration),
  3. gender and urbanisation, especially within the Arctic, and how this impacts the sustainability of smaller communities and
  4. gender and work-related mobilities (e.g. long-distance working).

These four key areas will be addressed in the chapter, however, we are especially interested in how global, national and local processes, historically and current, impact indigenous people in the Arctic in terms of gender, migration and mobility.

Opening remarks

  • Embla Eir Oddsdóttir, Director, Icelandic Arctic Cooperation Network, GEA III Project lead

Session Chair

  • Andrey N. Petrov, PhD, President, International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA) and Chair, Social and Human Working Group, International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)

Key presentation

  • Erika Anne Hayfield, University of the Faroe Islands presents key issues pertaining to migration, mobilities and gender in the Arctic.

Speakers

  • Tonje Johansen, Sámi Council, Timothy Heleniak, Nordregio

Closing remarks

  • Andrey N. Petrov, PhD, President, International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA) and Chair, Social and Human Working Group, International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)

Questions for participants to consider

  • In some communities/places in the Arctic there is a strong attachment to place and young women and men are less likely to leave compared to other places. Which factors are implicated in such stay or leave decisions and how are/may they be gendered? (this questions includes people moving between areas within the Arctic as well as leaving the Arctic, e.g. Greenlanders moving to Denmark)
  • Immigration from outside the Arctic is impacted by a range of factors, policies and global changes. What key issues relating to immigration and gender should be included in the report?
  • What key gender issues related to work-based mobility should be explored in the report?

Helpful materials

We found these materials helpful for the discussion

  • Erika Anne Hayfield. Family-centred work motility in a small island society: the case of the Faroe Islands : visit website
  • The GEA Report 2015. Gender Equality in the Arctic Report. Current Realities, Future Challenges : download PDF
  • Timothy Heleniak. Migration in the Arctic : visit website