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Let young migrant women thrive

Bruna presents her pitch

During a lively briefing on 27 January 2025 for NGOs in the Netherlands about the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), experts from diverse backgrounds presented their pitches about key topics of importance for the delegation to keep in mind while engaging in the upcoming CSW negotiations.

This fifth pitch was presented by Bruna Martinez on behalf of Young Feminist Europe, a platform of diverse young feminists in Europe who raise awareness on intersectional gender issues.

Seven years ago, I moved to the Netherlands from Brazil in pursuit of a graduate education. Despite the challenges of navigating the job market and securing my right to reside, I am fortunate to stand here today as a proud immigrant who has succeeded in society’s terms. However, this is not the reality for most migrant women in Europe. I stand in solidarity with them, amplifying their voices in this space.

There are over 42 million migrant women in Europe, many young, racialized, and each with unique stories and contributions. They sustain economies that rely on their labor yet marginalize their existence. They are disproportionately vulnerable to gender-based violence, bearing the dual burden of navigating youth struggles while confronting systemic exclusion, economic exploitation, and discrimination. These realities are further compounded for undocumented women, those fleeing conflict or climate crises, and those subjected to racism and xenophobia.

Yet, young migrant women are powerful agents of change. As care workers, community leaders, students, and essential workers, they bring fresh perspectives and resilience, enriching societies that often fail to recognize their worth.

To honor commitments under the 2030 Agenda and CEDAW, the Netherlands must:

  • Transform immigration systems and combat anti-immigrant sentiment fueled by right-wing governments and fascism, which dehumanize migrants—especially women, trans women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people from the Global South.
  • Invest in safe migration pathways tailored to young women’s needs.
  • Strengthen labor protections to prevent exploitation.
  • Guarantee access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, education, and mental health support.
  • Include young migrant women in decision-making processes to ensure policies reflect their realities.

When young migrant women thrive, so do our societies. By investing in them, we create a more equitable and flourishing future for all.


** Read more about the briefing (in Dutch) here.

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