overview it."Migration has become crucial for human existence, sustainability, and safety, resulting from various influences. Economic, social, and political aspects all play a role in the rise in human migration. Whether individuals move within their own country’s borders or internationally, they do so for similar purposes, although they may face different challenges. The interaction between developed and developing nations has led to a growing interconnection in the global system. According to Jayasuriya and Opeskin (2015:581), significant differences of human development among countries contributes for much of the international migration since people in the developing countries find migrations to be an alternative or the only way for a better life.
In this globalized world, migration is increasingly becoming a “rising policy priority” affecting countries of origin, destinations, and transitions and as a combinations of all (ILO 2015: iii). As stated in the United Nations report from 2017, the global population of international migrants has been on the rise, reaching a staggering 258 million in 2017, with women accounting for 48 percent of this figure. Additionally, in 2015, international migration played a significant role in generating over $601 billion in remittance flows, with developing countries receiving a significant portion of $441 billion, which is three times higher than the flows of official development assistance (Ratha 2016: xii). 
Boyd (1989:655-56) and Kofman (1999:274) have noted that earlier research on international migration predominantly centered around men and focused on the experiences of male migrants or migration in general, assuming that women migrants were only part of family migration. Additionally, Boyd and Grieco (2003 no page) revealed that during the 1960s and 70s, the term “migrants and their families” was commonly used to refer to “male migrants and their children and wives,” thereby neglecting women and their significant presence in migration studies.
Boyd (1989:655-56) and Kofman (1999:274) argue that prior to the 1970s, research on international migration primarily centered on men and highlighted the experiences of male migrants or migration as a whole, assuming that women migrants were only part of family migration. Interestingly, Boyd and Grieco (2003 no page) revealed that during the 1960s and 70s, the term “migrants and their families” was commonly used to refer exclusively to “male migrants and their children and wives,” resulting in the disregarding of women’s experiences and presence in migration studies, despite their significant numbers.
Migration for domestic work has been the subject of attention since the 1960s, primarily due to changes in migration patterns and the increasing number of women involved in labor migration. This migration trend is predominantly gender-specific, with women making up a significant majority of domestic workers worldwide. In fact, around 83% of all domestic workers globally are women, and in the Middle East, women account for 63% of the total 2.1 million domestic workers. Additionally, domestic work plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities, as it accounts for 1.7% of all global employment and 3.6% of wage employment, according to reports by the International Labour Organization.
The significant participation of women in domestic work migration can be attributed to various factors such as the increasing demand for domestic labor in developed countries and the Middle East, as well as poverty and unemployment in their countries of origin. Globalization and changing household dynamics also play a role in this trend. In the Middle East, the demand for domestic workers has particularly grown in the past two decades, partly due to the governments’ decision to support state welfare systems following an increase in oil revenues since the 1970s. As a result, nationals in these countries have shown reluctance to engage in what they perceive as “dirty work,” including domestic labor. Limited livelihood alternatives and poverty in sending countries further push women to consider migration as a solution to family problems and personal fulfillment. Additionally, socio-cultural factors such as gender norms, power dynamics, and inequalities influence the choices, decisions, and experiences of women in migration, as highlighted by various studies.
The migration of women in Ethiopia, both domestically and internationally, has been widely observed, particularly following the downfall of the Derg regime in 1991. After the removal of exit visas in 1991, there was a notable increase in migration to the Middle East. Prior to 1991, despite the Derg regime’s ban on migration and closure of borders, a significant number of Ethiopians migrated irregularly due to political unrest and conflict. Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Jordan were the primary destinations due to their proximity and demand for domestic workers with limited education. According to Arab News (2018), there were 460,000 workers migrating for regular domestic work to the Middle East in 2013, but the Ethiopian government later banned this practice. Yemen serves as the main transit point for irregular migrants. 
1.1	The research statement
The study is focused on understanding how young Ethiopian women make decisions to migrate to the Middle East, and how family dynamics and community networks influence these decisions. Over the past decade, factors such as age, gender, and socio-economic status have played a significant role in determining the power dynamics within their families and communities. While patriarchal society may limit their power, migrating offers these young women a chance to improve their situation and ascend in the power hierarchy. Consequently, the decision-making process for these young women is complex. The interaction of these various factors ultimately affects the empowerment of these women and their ability to shape their own opportunities in life. 
To the best of my knowledge, there has been limited research exploring the decision-making dynamics related to domestic work migration. While some studies by de Regt (2016) and Grabska et al. (2018) exist, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding in this area. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap by examining the decision-making processes and power dynamics within families and communities. The goal is to investigate how decisions are made regarding the migration of young women to the Middle East and how factors such as power relations, socio-economic aspects, social norms, and values influence these decisions. The research will specifically focus on women from Maichew town, Ethiopia. 
1.2	Goal (purpose or aim)of the paper
The main objective of the study is to assess Young Ethiopian Women’s Migration to the Middle East  and its impacts 
1.3 Research question and sub-questions
The central inquiry of this study revolves around the following: What are the social power dynamics, gendered norms, and values that impact the decision-making process in relation to young Ethiopian women migrating to the Middle East? Additionally, how do these factors shape negotiations within their families, communities, and personal networks?

To be more precise, the research paper focused on answering the subsequent sub-questions related to the research topic.

The research paper aimed to address the following sub-questions regarding the influence of various factors on young women’s decision-making about migration to the Middle East:

1- How do gender, age, and socio-economic situation of the family affect their ability to exercise agency in migration decisions?
2- In what ways do gendered power hierarchies impact women’s ability to make decisions about migrating to the Middle East?
3- What factors contribute to the empowerment of young women in negotiation and decision-making within their families and communities, and how do networks play a role in this process?
  
1.4. Methodology of the Research  
In order to accomplish the main goal of the study, a qualitative method was chosen. According to HesseBiber and Leavy (2010), using a qualitative approach allows for a deeper understanding of the interpretations that individuals make about their situations, societal events, and their expectations and experiences in relation to the migration of young Ethiopian women to the Middle East and its impacts."