A Fight for Migrant Women, and a Fight for Equality Incorporating a gender-perspective into Mexico City's Prospective Sanctuary City Policies
Author
Drejer-Jensen, Maria Genet
Term
4. term
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-05-31
Pages
67
Abstract
This thesis examines how the Mexico Declaration and Plan of Action has shaped Mexico City’s path toward becoming a sanctuary city—local policies that aim to protect migrants and ensure access to services. It also studies the role of the Institute for Women in Migration, a civil society organization that supports migrant women in the city and across Mexico. The study uses a social constructivist approach, which focuses on how people’s lived experiences and cultural contexts shape what we know, and recognizes that knowledge is subjective and influenced by social norms and values. To explore migrant protection from both government and service-provider viewpoints, the researcher conducted in-depth interviews with experts: representatives from the Institute for Women in Migration and a former employee of Mexico City’s municipal government. These insights are combined with a review of existing literature. Across sources, the thesis identifies tensions between the Mexican government’s repeated promises (2004–2023) to protect migrants and women and realities on the ground, including corruption, violence, and discrimination. It also considers how United States policy influences Mexico’s immigration decisions. The analysis underscores the need to critically reflect on past and present to advance more inclusive and protective policies. Finally, the thesis compares Mexico City and Toronto to show different municipal approaches to implementing sanctuary practices. It concludes that Mexico City’s future efforts should adopt a clear gender perspective that recognizes the intersecting forms of disadvantage many migrant women face, and that the municipality should take a stand against discriminatory federal immigration practices.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan Mexico-erklæringen og handlingsplanen har påvirket Mexico Citys vej mod at blive en “sanctuary city”—lokale tiltag, der skal beskytte migranter og sikre adgang til ydelser. Det ser også på Institute for Women in Migration, en civilsamfundsorganisation der støtter migrante kvinder i byen og i resten af landet. Studiet anvender en socialkonstruktivistisk tilgang, som fokuserer på, hvordan menneskers levede erfaringer og kulturelle kontekster former vores viden, og anerkender at viden er subjektiv og påvirket af sociale normer og værdier. For at belyse beskyttelse af migranter fra både myndigheders og serviceudbyderes perspektiv gennemførte forskeren dybdegående interviews med eksperter: repræsentanter fra Institute for Women in Migration og en tidligere medarbejder i Mexico Citys kommune. Disse indsigter kombineres med en gennemgang af eksisterende litteratur. På tværs af kilder peger specialet på spændinger mellem den mexicanske regerings gentagne løfter (2004–2023) om at beskytte migranter og kvinder og virkeligheden på jorden, herunder korruption, vold og diskrimination. Det ser også på, hvordan USA’s politik påvirker Mexicos migrationsbeslutninger. Analysen fremhæver behovet for kritisk refleksion over fortid og nutid for at fremme mere inkluderende og beskyttende politikker. Endelig sammenligner specialet Mexico City og Toronto for at vise forskellige kommunale tilgange til at indføre sanctuary-praksisser. Det konkluderer, at Mexico Citys fremtidige indsatser bør have et tydeligt kønsperspektiv, der anerkender de sammenflettede former for ulighed mange migrante kvinder møder, og at kommunen bør tage afstand fra diskriminerende føderale praksisser på udlændingeområdet.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]