Migration policy framework for Africa and plan of action (2018 – 2030) in the service industries, especially for domestic workers, nurses, teachers, care workers and other typically female dominated professions. The feminisation of migration is affecting gender roles and in some cases contributing to gender equality, as women become economically empowered, gain new skills and take on different roles in countries of origin, transit and destination. The migration of men may also positively affect gender roles as women who stay behind take on greater responsibility in the household and have increased decision making power. However, many female refugees and migrants face gross violations of their rights as they are exposed to genderbased discrimination, sexual and genderbased violence and other forms of abuse with limited or no access to effective legal protection. Migrant women and girls’ vulnerabilities to exploitation are highlighted by the frequently abusive conditions under which they work, especially in the context of domestic service and sex industries, in which human trafficking is heavily implicated. They are also especially vulnerable to exploitation and abuse at the hands of smugglers and traffickers along irregular migration routes. It is therefore important to give particular attention to safeguarding the rights (labour, human rights, etc) of migrant women in the context of migration management, and to provide them with access to protection. Men and boys may also be exposed to gender based exploitation and violence during the migration process, and it is equally important to understand their experiences and develop the necessary protection measures. SDG Goal 5 sets out to…. achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, and in Target 5.2 calls for the…..elimination of all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. Recommended strategies 78 i. Conduct research in order to gain a deeper understanding of the gender dynamics of migration, which would enable both policy makers and practitioners to address the special needs of women and men migrants, thereby enhancing: (a) the benefits that can accrue to women and men, as a result of their involvement in migration; (b) the contribution of women and men migrants to the up-liftment of their families and the socio-economic development of their host/sending countries, and the continent at large. It would also prompt policy makers and practitioners to address issues that impact negatively on migrants due to gender. ii. Strengthening responses to the particular needs of migrant women and girls, particularly ensuring that their health needs, labour rights and human rights are respected. A gender perspective should be integrated in all national and regional migration management policies, strategies and programmes, recognising the agency of women in migration, promotes their empowerment and leadership and moves away from addressing women migrants primarily thought the lens of victimhood. iii. Develop migration policies that allow women and men to migrate for employment through safe and regular channels.