Global labor mobility is one of the most powerful tools for empowering women — I’ve seen it firsthand.
Both my grandmothers moved from a small village in Tanzania, by themselves, in pursuit of opportunity. One settled in Canada and the other in the United States, both being given the chance to work and earn money to support themselves and their families as single parents. They used legal immigration pathways, were supported by community organizations to find jobs, and benefitted from the support of the East African diaspora.
When done with intentionality and compassion, migration can create opportunities for women in low-income countries to thrive. This is particularly evident in the women-driven care sector — where demand for workers in high-income nations is skyrocketing due to aging populations.
About the author
Alizah Merali
Alizah Merali is a strategy consultant and venture builder with a passion for impact, bold ideas and action. She has designed and scaled social ventures across Kenya, South Africa, and India, focusing on economic mobility, early childhood development, and health care. She currently works with Dalberg, and previously with the Global Development Incubator and AT Kearney, securing capital and driving systemic change globally.
