Cross-border Labour Migration and Gender Roles among Ha Nhi Women in Y Ty Commune, Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between cross-border labour migration and gender roles of Ha Nhi women in Y Ty commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. Research results show that cross-border labour migration has significantly changed the gender roles and position of Ha Nhi women within their families. Firstly, women’s labour migration has altered the division of work in the family. Second, with significant economic contributions to the family and broader knowledge and understanding of society, women’s roles in decision-making and their status in the family have also been enhanced. Third, the emotional relationships of couples with migrants face many obstacles and challenges both during migration and when returning. Labour migration is also one factor that increases the cross-border marriage rate in this ethnic community. In general, women’s cross-border labour migration brings both positive and negative impacts to families both during and after migration, so there is a need for gender equality policies to support migrant women and their families.