Invisible and Feminized Migration of Unaccompanied Girls: A Challenge for Child Care

Abstract

The objective of this article is to incorporate a gender perspective into the study of migration by shedding light on the experiences of unaccompanied minors. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory design and analyzes interviews conducted with child care professionals involved in the foster care of unaccompanied girls in a local administration in Spain. The findings reveal a strong relationship between gender, migrant status, minority status, and inadequate detection, mobility patterns, and limited resource allocation for the care of unaccompanied girls. The professionals emphasize the need for training in gender perspectives, trafficking, and exploitation, as well as the inclusion of more psychologists and cultural mediators to better address the needs of these young girls. The research concludes that a gender-sensitive and decolonized perspective within the field of social work is essential in addressing the specific vulnerabilities faced by these young women and ensuring their full access to rights.