The transformative power of migration: life stories of immigrant women (El Hierro-Canary Islands)

Abstract

Because of the scarcity of resources, remoteness, and insularity, El Hierro has experienced long periods of emigration. However, this most southwestern island of the Canary archipelago (Spain), of a small size (278 km2) and scarcely inhabited (11,423 residents in 2022), has been growing its population in recent decades due to international immigration. Various factors regarding international immigration constitute the basis of El Hierro human mobility: (i) a diversity of countries of origin due to close linkages between origin and destination places (because partly of return migration); (ii) the movement of tourists attracted by the unique environmental conditions of a volcanic island, occasionally opting for extended (and even permanent) stays; and (iii) the immigration of entrepreneurs establishing diverse businesses in commerce, hospitality, and active tourism.

In this context, the role of immigrant women is of great importance. Currently, 28 per cent of the island population has been born abroad, being women the majority among this. What are their countries of origin? What is their sociodemographic profile? What motivations made them immigrate? What is their socioeconomic status? Has migration favoured their empowerment? What impact do their initiatives have on local society? These questions concerning migration decision-making are intricately linked to the intersection of women's life cycles, family dynamics, migration trajectories, and incorporation into the labour market. The 16 in-depth interviews carried out with foreign-born workers and businesswomen in El Hierro allow to recognize the transformative power of migration not only on their lives but on the local economy and society.