This study reconceptualises migrant networks as small-scale forms of migration governance. Acting as transnational network structures, migrant networks are able to fill some of the gaps in the currently fragmented global migration governance system. This includes addressing common migration governance objectives, such as reducing issues created by criminal networks, decreasing tensions between migrants and host communities, and improving the safety and dignity of migrants. Further, this study aims to discuss relevant migrant-development nexus effects of migrant networks as migration governance structures, in terms of a migrant's individual developments as well as development in both the home and destination countries. Migrant networks have great interest in positive development for individual migrants because it would strengthen the network; the migrant would be better able to support future migrants in addition to members remaining in the home country. Migrant development may also have positive effects for the destination country, through the provision of higher-skilled work, and for the home country, through associated remittances and relevant support for network members in the home country.
The rise of evidence-based policy has brought with it an increase in the use of indicators and data-driven global projects. The United Nations System has used the indicator-based Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects to govern policy from above. Of particular interest in this article is how indicators are used to govern gender equality initiatives within the Goals. By using ‘governance by indicators’ as a framework for understanding global policy processes, we can better understand how the power of indicators can help or hinder progress towards gender equality depending on the extent to which it renders gendered concerns visible. Studying indicators in this forum also illuminates spaces of contestation, where policy actors can debate indicators and reshape meaning. Based on this framework, this article explores UN Women’s feminist critique of measurement and knowledge production in the MDGs and SDGs. Looking through their feminist lens applied to this form of knowledge production can yield a better understanding of the use of indicators in shaping evidence-based policy from the global level. In recognizing the value of quantification and data-driven evidence in policy, this article speaks to the tension between feminist critique of quantitative knowledge production and the feminist approach’s welcoming of multiple ways of knowing.
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