AUTHOR=Erulkar Annabel , Hailu Eyasu 

TITLE=Young female migrants and job placement brokers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Reproductive Health

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/reproductive-health/articles/10.3389/frph.2024.1241571

DOI=10.3389/frph.2024.1241571

ISSN=2673-3153

ABSTRACT=Introduction: Rates of urbanization in Ethiopia are high and adolescent girls and young women are 11 predominant among those who move from rural to urban areas. Young women frequently undertake 12 rural-urban migration on their own or with a friend, and with little planning for their initial settlement 13 in the city. They frequently rely on job placement brokers to place them into jobs upon arrival, with 14 positions such as domestic work normally including accommodation. 15 16 Methods: This is a qualitative study undertaken at the two largest bus stages in Addis Ababa, which 17 are points of arrival for a large number of migrants from rural areas. Three categories of respondents 18 were interviewed in-depth: migrant young women who had arrived within the last few days, job 19 placement brokers who are located in and around the bus station, and market women /vendors at the 20 bus stations who interact with both migrants and brokers. 21 22 Results: Migrant girls’ point of arrival was an inflection point of risk, especially among girls who were 23 on their own, not accompanied or met at the bus terminal and lacking in plans or preparation of 24 accommodation. Such girls were targeted by thieves at the bus station and by unscrupulous brokers, 25 some of whom forced girls into sexual relations before placing them into paid work. In contrast, market 26 women and some well-meaning brokers took steps to protect girls such as providing temporary 27 accommodation. 28 29 Conclusion: This research underscores the need for intensified support to rural-urban migrants to 30 ensure safety and security at the time of arrival at their destination. This includes promotion of pre-31 migration education and planning; safety assets including sufficient money, cell phones and alternative 32 contacts in the city; and arrangement for immediate, safe and secure accommodation. As a result of the 33 study, a pilot program has been developed, using local resources to extend support for newly arriving 34 migrant girls and young women.