Experts say more women are crossing Europe in an effort to reach other countries.
Migrants cross the English Channel from France after traversing Europe (Image: Getty)
Experts have observed a surge in women travelling across Europe, with smugglers demanding sex as part of their payment. A 2024 report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Italy described a 250% annual rise in the number of single adult women arriving in the country via the Balkan route. The amount of families increased by 52%. With 3,419 migrant deaths or disappearances in Europe being reported last year, women are facing the additional threat of sexual violence and exploitation.
Hermine Gbedo of the anti-trafficking network Stella Polare supports women migrants in Trieste in the north east of Italy. The port city is a major entry point to the EU for those crossing from the Balkans. From there, individuals and groups continue their journeys to countries such as, Germany, France and the UK. “All migrants have to pay a smuggler,” Ms Gbedo said. “But women are often expected to offer sex as part of the payment.”
Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to stop migrants crossing into the UK (Image: Getty)
“We are seeing an increase in women travelling alone, both on the Mediterranean and the Balkan routes,” Irini Contogiannis from the IRC told the BBC.
“Their experiences are different and often riskier,” Ugochi Daniels of the International Organization for Migration said.
“Even women travelling in groups often lack consistent protection, exposing them to abuse by smugglers, traffickers, or other migrants.”
Many women reportedly pack condoms or get contraceptive devices fitted in case they are raped during their passage.
It comes as France agreed in November tactics to intercept small boats in the English Channel, according to reports.
Le Monde said the policy change follows a letter sent by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to French president Emmanuel Macron urging “it is essential that we deploy tactics this month” and “we have no effective deterrent in the Channel”.
UK asylum claims reached a new record high according to the latest data which also showed a drop in the backlog of cases awaiting a decision.
A total of 110,051 people applied for asylum in the year to September 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
This was up from the last 12-month peak of 109,142 in the year to June.
The latest figure is also 13% higher than the same point last year of 97,091, Home Office data showed.
