Dimensions of West-African immigration to France: Malian immigrant women in Paris

The article deals with patterns of migration of West-African immigrants in France. It looks at their changing migration strategies, developed in the context of the settlement process in France, and which are in turn closely linked to family reunification and the increasing immigration of women. Special attention is given to Malian women living in Paris, the various dimensions of the organisation of their lives in France, their distinctive position as migrant women, and their adoption of diverse social, economic and communitarian strategies, both related to the receiving country as well as their country of origin. This is particularly important as since the mid 1980ies, Sub-Saharan African migrants increasingly stand at the centre of public and political debates on immigration in general and undocumented immigrants in particular (“Sans Papiers”). Seeking employment opportunities and organizing social life are important parameters in the daily life of Malian women in Paris. More than their male counterparts, women built very close relations to the host society – above all in the neighbourhood and within women’s associations - and their activities play an important role in the creation of a new “chez soi” in the diaspora. Development of West-African Immigration to France Until the mid 1980ies four fifth of Sub-Saharan immigrants in France were originating from Senegal, Mauritania and Mali predominantly from the Senegal River valley, which passes through all these three countries. In regard to migratory movements the Senegal River valley is in fact a historically important region. Emigration and forced labour migration to the