Djibouti City - Every day around noon, in a narrow alley in District 2 of the downtown area of the Djiboutian capital, men and women of all ages gather in front of a small stall. As they approach the bright green storefront, passersby can be heard whispering, "I hope there's some rice left!"

This stall is Madame Zahra's home, which also serves as a restaurant. For nearly 15 years, she has been preparing a variety of dishes that delights the neighborhood. Madame Zahra works with her ten children to successfully manage her small business. Madame Zahra's restaurant is always full, enabling her to host three generations, but it took her a lot of strength and courage to reach this point.

Zahra cooking in the kitchen of her restaurant. Photo : IOM Djibouti 2024 / Laëtitia Romain 

Born in the region of Harar in Ethiopia, Zahra Mohamed migrated to Djibouti in 1981, driven by the hope of a better life for herself and her family. She traveled alone, without resources or relatives, and recalls: "People were very welcoming, offering me food and assisting with my rent. However, I had to work to send money to my family." Starting with small jobs as a domestic worker, she moved from house to house.

Thousands of people migrate between Ethiopia and Djibouti, and according to the Research and Data Hub (RDH) of IOM, the number of women and girls traveling along the Eastern Route doubled between 2021 and 2022 (from 53,200 to 106,700). Women and girls accounted for 32% of all individuals moving along the Eastern Route in 2022, in search of better job opportunities.

It was in Djibouti that, two years after her arrival, young Zahra met her husband. A young man also from Ethiopia who had migrated from the Dire Dawa region. Together, they built a new life in Djibouti, raising their children in the small house in district 2 that then served as a tailor shop for Zahra's husband.

Zahra in the living room at the back of her restaurant, where she gathers with her children. Photo: IOM Djibouti 2024 / Laëtitia Romain 

The sudden death of her husband in the early 2000s worsened the challenges related to Zahra's migrant status. Without close family support and with many children to care for, Madame Zahra had to reinvent herself once more. "It was tough, but my children depended on me, and that's what kept me going." She relied on the support of her eldest children and solidarity of her community to embark on entrepreneurship. After multiple unsuccessful attempts at small businesses, Madame Zahra turned her home into a restaurant. When asked about the cuisine she serves, she smiles and says, "It doesn't matter where the dishes come from. As long as it's delicious, everyone enjoys it!"

Zahra's determination and endurance are a source of inspiration for her children. Kifaya, one of her daughters explains that seeing her mother overcome challenges gives her the confidence that she can do the same, following her example.

Kifaya shared "My mother taught me everything!"

Kifaya assists Zahra with the restaurant, works in a clothing store and outside of her hours collaborates with IOM Djibouti as an interpreter and volunteers for her community.

"I love to help and support the most vulnerable. Our neighbors supported us a lot when we were younger, and now that I am an adult, it's my turn to help those in need."

Kifaya, one of Zahra’s daughter. Photo : IOM Djibouti 2024 / Laëtitia Romain 

For many women and girls, migrating can be an opportunity to promote their autonomy and self-confidence while also contributing to the well-being of their families. However, migrant women like Madame Zahra are often overrepresented in informal and precarious jobs.

To enhance the financial inclusion of migrants, including women and their families, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration calls for the implementation of programs and tools that take gender dimensions into account.

By collaborating with governments, local partners, and communities, IOM strives to create an environment conducive to the empowerment and well-being of migrant women, thereby contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals on gender equality and women's empowerment.

IOM supports migrant, displaced and diaspora women and girls in all their diversity. Their contribution is crucial if the potential benefits of migration are to be properly harnessed to get the 2030 Agenda back on track. IOM calls for investment in gender-sensitive financing for sustainable development and strong climate action, ensuring that change agents play a central role in the process.

In 2021, 13% of trips along the Eastern Route at Djibouti were made by women and girls. This figure rose to 22% in 2022. Financial investment in women remains insufficient, requiring additional funding to achieve the 5^th objective of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information contact: Kaousar Saad, ksaad@iom.int Communication Focal Point at IOM Djibouti