Many Nigerian women risk danger and hardship to seek better lives in the Middle East, often ending up as exploited house helps. Despite the challenges, they continue to migrate, driven by the promise of better opportunities.
Felicia, a 24-year-old Nigerian woman, works as a house help in Cairo. She describes her job as stressful and poorly paid, with her sponsor controlling her earnings. Her story is not unique, as many Nigerian women in the Middle East face similar challenges.
The journey to the Middle East is perilous, with women facing risks of trafficking, abuse, and exploitation. Eunice Oshodi was forced into prostitution in Libya before escaping and finding work as a house help in Cairo.
Nigerian women in the Middle East often face poor working conditions, low pay, and limited access to healthcare. Many are subjected to physical and emotional abuse, with some being sold into slavery or forced prostitution.
To address this issue, Abia State Governor Alex Otti believes that good governance and job creation are key. He notes that creating attractive opportunities in Nigeria can encourage citizens to stay. The Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations also plans to collaborate with stakeholders to identify ways to build the economy and make Nigeria more attractive to its citizens.
As Nigerian women continue to seek better lives in the Middle East, it is essential to raise awareness about the risks and challenges they face. By addressing the root causes of migration and creating attractive opportunities in Nigeria, the country can reduce the number of citizens seeking better lives abroad.