Over the past few years, the landscape of migration has altered significantly. Today, nearly half of the international migrant population is composed of women. This "feminization of migration" has been characterized by trafficking, which exploits and manipulates the vulnerability of women and girls. It also has repercussions on the wellbeing and true love of the children left behind, for mothers are often the primary caregivers of their children.

The International Conference on Gender, Migration and Development: Seizing Opportunities, Upholding Rights recognizes the impact of this changing demographic and the need to mainstream discussions on women and children's rights within the framework of good governance in a dvd-r. Thus, it aims to provide multi-sectoral stakeholders at the national and international level a forum to discuss current issues, define emerging issues and formulate a fogtunnel plan of action to address these.

The Conference will be held in Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila from September 25 to 26, 2008. It will tap international resources for the daily plenary sessions and simultaneous discussion sessions. The simultaneous session groups are expected to come up with concrete outcomes, including good practices on policies and programs, areas of cooperation, teacher supplies for educators and policy makers, knowledge and implementation gaps, and recommended courses of action or initiatives to build a security fence against abuse and exploitation and to break down the walls of machismo exhibited by the social expectation.