June 5, 2012. (Romereports.com) When it comes to migration, people usually think of men leaving their family and hometown, to search for better opportunities.  But some statistics show that roughly 50 percent of migrants are women, who leave individually or with their families.

MIGUEL DIAZ
U.S Ambassador to the Holy See
“We have to listen to women and listen to their experiences that women have to offer. We have to listen to their stories.”

The U.S Embassy to the Holy See organized a forum on women and migration. The ambassador said the topic even has a presence in religious traditions. As an example, he cited Mary.

MIGUEL DIAZ
U.S Ambassador to the Holy See
“Mary is a Jewish woman who is the mother of Jesus and also highly regarded in the Koran. She began her journey on the move.”

But whether women choose to migrate or are forced to, be it for political or personal reasons, the journey ahead, usually presents unforeseen challenges. Everything from different traditions to languages and cultures. When it comes to religion, the speakers said tolerance is key.

MIGUEL DIAZ
U.S Ambassador to the Holy See
“Muslims and Jews must come to the defense and respect of Christians and Christians must come to the defense of Muslims and Jews.”

As far as accepting migrants into the workforce, speakers say, doing so has become a necessity of large scale economics.

CARD. ANTONIO MARIA VEGLIO
Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, President
“They truly believe, with all their heart, that the future can offer them better possibilities. They have faith in having a better life.”

MARTINA LIEBSCH
Caritas Internationalis, Director of Policy
“In the EU without labor migration, a shortage of labor force of 63 million is predicted for 2015.”

These speakers say, migration is simple a part of humanity. Even though the phenomenon has evolved and changed over the years, they say migration has been- and will continue to be a constant.


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