The Borders That Disadvantage Migrant Women in Enjoying Human Rights

This article focuses on the notion of “intersecting borders of equality” ––drawn from intersectionality theory and the concept of “normative boundaries of belonging” ––to show the disadvantages and human rights violations faced by migrant women. The author highlights that formal, normative, and practical borders construe migrant women as outsiders or lesser members in society. When viewed through this lens, it becomes evident that migrant women’s experiences are shaped by different inequality structures rather than their own personal choices or failures. The author concludes by paying attention to how it may not always be possible to dismantle borders of inequality, especially without making deep changes in dominant cultural attitudes. Therefore, the focus of international human rights law should be to remain attentive to fixing these borders rather than reinforcing its disadvantages.