By Aysha Imam, AIDMI, India

Climate-induced migration is increasingly shaping labour markets across South Asia, pushing many women into informal urban work in search of survival. While migration may offer income opportunities, it often exposes women to harassment, exploitation, and unsafe working conditions during travel, settlement, and employment. Addressing these risks requires linking climate resilience with labour protection and gender justice.

First, mapping migration routes, transit hubs, and labour clusters is essential to identify where migrant women face the highest risks of harassment and violence. Evidence from such mapping can guide safer mobility and targeted protection measures.

Second, strengthening workplace protection mechanisms in informal sectors is critical. Accessible grievance redressal systems, labour monitoring, and accountability mechanisms must extend to worksites such as construction areas, brick kilns, and domestic labour networks.

Third, improving safe transport and accommodation for migrant workers can reduce risks during travel and settlement. Women-friendly transport options, safe worker housing, and basic services such as lighting, sanitation, and childcare are essential.

Fourth, building partnerships between labour departments, city authorities, unions, and civil society organisations can help extend protection and oversight to informal workplaces.

Finally, integrating GBV prevention into migration, disaster, and climate adaptation programmes ensures that resilience strategies safeguard women’s dignity, safety, and rights.