Gender and Migration to the Gulf States: An Anthropological Insight into Gendered Patterns of Migration in Nor th Wollo Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this article is to explore and analyze rhe n(!X!IS be/ween
gender and migration to rhe Gulf Stales f rom an anthropological perJpective with
specific reference to Hayya Qobbo Woreda of North Wollo Zone. Amhara Region
of Ethiopia. To attain Ih is objective, fhe srudy employed bolh secondary and
primary dala sources. The primary data were gathered throllgh in-dep'h
interviews, focus group discussions and case studies. Secondary data were
obtained through a critical review of related literature and docllmenls. Both
primary and secondary data were organized thematically and atlaiyzed through
systematic interpretation and triangulation 0/ Wl riOIl$ sources, nle study fo und
that the pallems a/migration/rom North Wo/Jo to the GlllfStates (mainly 10 SOlidi
Arabia) are gender-specific in terms of pal/ems of migration, CIl/lUra! conceptions
of migration, social expectations, patterns of labour marker demand in host
countries, and remittance sent by migrants, The study also fOllnd tlia1 the decision
10 migrate was influenced by social values, family norms, gender ideology, alld
power relation. Furthermore, the findings revealed that migration to the Gulf
States is considered as a wealth ranking mechanism lwd a rite 0/ passage
prescribing social slatus. As a reslllt, it has become part 0/ the culture of the
people in the study area.