Zagreb

“Inclusion of Moldavian women in labor migration“

(Natalia Caunova, Doctor psychologist)

Zagreb, 23 Mart,2010

In recent decades, the problem of labor migration became one of the most topical for Moldova and a number of other countries. It became a large-scale social phenomenon. A well-known Moldovan political scientist Valeriy Moshneaga,  who specializes in labor migration, notes that the number of Moldovan labor migrants amounts from 600,000 (six hundred thousand) to  1,000,000 (one million), which is equal to one third of all able-bodied population. Both men and women are active participants in the labor migration process.

According to the long-term studies, conducted by a group of Moldovan psychologists: Irina Caunenco, Lucia Gasper and Natalia Caunova, an intensive inclusion of women in labor migration  leads to a number of negative effects both for the woman, and for her immediate circle. It becomes difficult or impossible for such woman to adequately fulfill her role as a woman, mother, wife and at the same time to be an efficient worker.

The impossibility to fulfill her maternal responsibilities gives rise to guilt feelings in woman towards her children. Child-rearing becomes "sporadic”, therefore now women tend to take their children with them to the countries, where they work. A deferred consequence of labor migration is the disturbed process of inter-generational interaction, resulting in disruption of translation of family values and traditions.

Another negative consequence of labor migration is destruction of woman’s role as a wife. Women, who, at times, had to go through humiliation, asks themselves: "Why did my husband let me go abroad to earn our living, while he was staying at home?", which results in the feelings of resentment, aggression and disappointment. This, in turn, affects conjugal relations, often leading to family conflicts, estrangement of spouses, and divorce.

Most women, who left to earn their living abroad, are engaged in difficult and low-wage jobs, in sectors, where unskilled and physical labor is needed. The main spheres of their employment are construction, agricultural works, consumers services, household and sexual services. Thus, women do not work in their specialities and practically do not have possibilities for professional advancement.

In consequence of all the above, the woman is dissatisfied with her situation both in the family and in the society, she works hard instead of living with her family as "all women do".

Project

Meeting

Arhives