Riphenburg/Egypt: Gender and Migration

Migration: Went to lecture of one of the authors of this book, Mark Miller, in Oriental Hall at the American University in Cairo's Tahrir campus. Took me back to the days when I went there. However, now the whole campus is walled off (complete with revolutionary graffiti) and the street allowing access to its main entrance is obstructed by huge concrete blocks. Miller mentioned six trends converging since the 1970s that, in his opinion, make this the age of migration: 1) migration's globalization, 2) its acceleration, 3) its differentiation, 4) its growing feminization, 5) its politicization (and securitization), and 6) its proliferation. More than half of the migrants globally are women. My friend, Nazli Rizk, helped me navigate the remaining barriers, curvy streets, and evening traffic of Garden City on the way home. Wire barriers around the American Embassy went up after the 2003 Iraq War. Huge cement block ones appeared during the January 25 revolution and reappeared after the disturbances over the anti-Muslim film. In the 1960s, the Embassy used to be a cultural center. I remember going there on the 4th of July, easily walking in, for grilled dogs and other treats. Now it's more like a fortress. Whereas previously wrought iron fences allowed passers-by to view embassy gardens; now huge concrete barriers, bear testimony to a primary concern with security.