Samuel Hall

??There are an estimated 75.6 million domestic workers worldwide, with more than 76% being women (International Labour Organization). Many migrate in search of better livelihoods, yet too often, they face abuse, exploitation, and even death. A recent The New York Times investigation, "Why Maids Keep Dying in Saudi Arabia," by |Abdi Latif Dahir and Justin Scheck sheds light on these harsh realities, exposing the systemic failures that leave East African migrant domestic workers unprotected. https://lnkd.in/dHXuwESn ??Through powerful portraits and firsthand testimonies, the article highlights the urgent challenges these workers face: 1?? Abuse & Exploitation – Many workers endure physical violence, wage theft, and inhumane treatment. 2?? Kafala System Restrictions – Restrictive sponsorship laws trap workers in abusive conditions. 3?? Barriers to Justice – Weak labour protections and systemic gender discrimination make it nearly impossible for migrant women to seek justice. ??How do we close the accountability gap and prevent further harm? ??Samuel Hall, leading research for The Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP)—a collaboration between the African Union, International Labour Organization, IOM - UN Migration, and UNICEF Office to the African Union & UNECA—has released two key reports to strengthen access to justice for migrant workers; identifying critical gaps in protection systems across Cameroon, C?te d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Morocco. As part of this, we developed the Practical Guide for State Authorities which is a step-by-step framework to help governments establish safe, effective, and gender-responsive reporting mechanisms. ?? A rights-based approach ensuring all migrant workers, regardless of gender, can safely report abuse. ?? Gender-responsive reporting mechanisms so workers can report abuse without fear. ?? Legal frameworks that address the specific vulnerabilities of migrant domestic workers. ?? Bilateral labour agreements (BLAs) that include cross-border reporting mechanisms and access to remedies. At Samuel Hall, we are committed to ensuring our evidence-based research continues to inform policy and programming to create more inclusive societies. ?? Find the full report and the toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/d5gzCPdq https://lnkd.in/dQz2UWR2

?? 15 years of Samuel Hall! ?? Fifteen years ago, we began our journey in Kabul, Afghanistan—driven by a commitment to research that puts people at the centre. Since then, we have expanded to five offices across the world, worked in 70+ countries, and completed over 400 projects—all guided by the belief that research isn’t just about data, but about trust, voices, and impact shaped by empirical evidence. ?? From the field to the policy table, from stories to community engagement, our work has been rooted in key debates on migration and displacement—connecting the voices of communities to changemakers, bridging research with action, and ensuring lived experiences inform lasting solutions. ?? As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the 15 empirical perspectives that have shaped us and look forward to the many more we will continue to learn. Scroll down for insights from our colleagues, drawn from their years in the field. ?? To know more about work and priorities, find our Research and Outreach Strategy 2024-2026 here: https://lnkd.in/dJznpBSX Thank you for being part of our journey ?? Thank you for being part of our journey! Which perspective resonates with you the most? Let us know in the comments below ?? Nassim Majidi Hervé NICOLLE Jared Aol, MPPA Stefanie Barratt Marta Pinhal Rocha Wendy Indira Kelly Wachira Devyani Nighoskar Jawid Hassanzai Juliette Samman Lisa Pfister Mwara Nyoike Carolina Viana

??How do we turn research into action? It’s a question we often ask, but the answer isn’t always straightforward. Research is meant to inform policy, influence funding, and drive meaningful change—but too often, it remains underutilised, buried in reports or released too late to make a real impact. ??At our Research & Policy pillar retreat, we brought together leading voices to dig into this challenge. ?? Expert Speakers: ?? Caroline Njuki – Chief Technical Advisor, International Labour Organization (ILO) ?? Precious Zikhali – Senior Economist, Poverty & Equity Global Practice, The World Bank Bank ?? Rufus Karanja – National Programme Officer, Migration & Protection, Embassy of Switzerland ??What emerged was a candid discussion on the gaps between research and policy—and how to bridge them. Some of the key questions we explored: ? What makes research relevant and actionable for policymakers? ? How can we ensure evidence speaks to political and organisational realities? ? What are the most effective ways to communicate research findings to different audiences? ? How do we move from data collection to influencing policy and funding decisions? ?? What stood out? ?? Research must be catalytic. Evidence needs to unlock solutions, not just describe problems. This means aligning research with policy windows and funding priorities. ?? Timeliness is key. Data and insights must be delivered at the right moment to influence decisions. A well-timed policy brief can shift conversations. ?? Local partnerships matter. Working closely with local universities, governments, and institutions ensures that findings are understood and applied in the right context. ?? Research needs better storytelling. We generate a vast amount of data, but we often struggle to distil it into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers and the public. ?? Avoiding duplication saves resources. Many research topics—like refugee work permits—have been studied extensively, yet policy movement remains slow. Finding new ways to communicate insights, scale existing solutions and drive action is crucial. This session reinforced a simple truth: evidence alone isn’t enough. For research to shape policies, it needs to be timely, accessible, and strategically framed. A huge thank you to our speakers and participants for a thought-provoking conversation—let’s keep building on these insights!

?? Rethinking Migration Narratives for Inclusive Policy ?? ??? Migration stories influence how we perceive movement—and how policies are shaped. But who tells these stories matters. ?? In our latest paper under the Horizon Europe FAIR Return project, we examine two key narratives: the stories migrants tell about their experiences and those constructed by media, policymakers, and others. These narratives shape critical policies on return, readmission, and reintegration, sometimes aligning, but often diverging. ?? Our findings reveal that migrants’ narratives centre on personal struggles, dignity, and aspirations, while external narratives frequently emphasise security, economics, or cultural integration. Bridging this gap is key to designing fairer, more inclusive policies that prioritise humane return processes and successful reintegration. ?? When migrants' voices are included, policies become more just, effective, and responsive. Learn how these narratives shape migration frameworks and why listening to those with lived experience is essential. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGmtXwGd

?? As we continue celebrations of? International Women’s Day and Women’s Month, we bring you voices from the women featured in our Everyday Women Leader series on Samuel Hall Stories—refugee women, RLO leaders, and changemakers from Eastern Africa who are driving extraordinary impact despite immense challenges. While we celebrate their leadership and the integral work they do, we also call for systemic changes—in protection, education, and entrepreneurship—to ensure that women in displacement and migration contexts can access opportunities and thrive. Most importantly, we advocate for localisation—shifting power to those who know their communities best. ?? Read our Everyday Women Leader series and hear directly from these women. https://lnkd.in/dFu56hfe ??? Listen to their words, brought to life by voice actors. Pardis Khozoei Sudi Omar Tawakal youth

?? Job Alert: Data Analyst Samuel Hall is #hiring a Data Analyst to strengthen our research through high-quality data systems and analysis. Based in Kabul, this role will work across projects, ensuring rigorous data collection, cleaning, and visualisation while engaging with stakeholders to improve data management practices. ?? The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of experience, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and strong skills in Excel, Python, R, or Stata. Experience in GIS, dashboard creation, and data harmonization is a plus. ?? This is an opportunity to be part of a team committed to evidence-based research in migration, displacement, and development. ?? Location: Kabul, Afghanistan ? Apply by: April 5, 2025 For more details on job description and application process, visit our careers page: https://lnkd.in/e9qKERY ?? Joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group working towards impactful research and data solutions in challenging environments. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with lived experiences of migration and resilience, aiming to leverage their unique perspectives in our work. Know someone who fits this role? Share this with them.

?? Climate change isn’t gender-neutral. Women are at the heart of its impact—and its solutions. They face the worst of water scarcity, food insecurity, and displacement, yet they’re leading adaptation efforts. The problem? They’re too often sidelined from the very decisions shaping climate policy As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we take you to Kenya and Nigeria through Episode 7 of our Voices on The Move Podcast created in collaboration with Migration Matters e.V., York University’s Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, and HABITABLE ECMN. Here women are tackling climate challenges head-on. Dr. Nassim Majidi (Samuel Hall) and Priscilla Achakpa (Women Environmental Programme) break down why gender-sensitive policies matter, how climate and migration are linked, and what happens when women get the power to lead. ?? Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a social and gendered one. Tune in as we explore the lived experiences of women on the frontlines of climate adaptation and the transformative role they play in shaping a more sustainable future. [Apple Podcasts link - https://lnkd.in/djxqsu54 ] [Spotify link - https://lnkd.in/dXf3ZDAi ] [Amazon Music link - https://lnkd.in/dUQXjZyb ] [Deezer link- https://lnkd.in/dkyj58mK ]

?? New on Samuel Hall Stories: Uniting For Progress: Advocating for Refugee Inclusion and Sustainable Solutions in Kakuma Meet Nira Ismail, a Sudanese refugee and passionate advocate working with Resilience Action International (RAI) -? a refugee-led organisation in Kakuma empowering refugees through vocational training, business support, and reproductive health advocacy. From English literacy and digital skills to start-up grants and health education, RAI creates sustainable pathways for refugees to thrive. Her story highlights the barriers refugees face in accessing education and employment—and the critical role refugee-led organisations (RLOs) play in creating local solutions ??Nira narrates the challenges faced in Kakuma, from limited jobs to restricted education due to Kenya’s encampment policy. Many refugees, despite gaining skills and certificates, remain unemployed simply because they lack work permits. With NGO jobs scarce and wages low, frustration grows, leaving young people stuck in survival mode instead of thriving. ?? Calling for more transparency, inclusivity, and a seat at the table for refugees, Nira Ismail highlights opportunities for collaboration between local governments, CSOs, and RLOs, and how VNG International can better support them. ?? Nira’s story is part of our collaboration with VNG International’s Sustainable Development through Local Governance Programme. Through storytelling workshops, we enabled VNG International to understand the impact of the SDLG Programme in Kenya, Iraq and Uganda by supporting the people they work with to draft stories of change. This is a new product we are offering at Samuel Hall—one that goes beyond traditional reporting to capture lived experiences, challenges, and transformations in people’s own words. Reach out to us to know more. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/ey4FGztj?

?? Displacement, Drought, and the Fight for Water: The Hidden Crisis in Afghanistan & the Region ?? For over 40 years, Iran and Pakistan have been home to Afghan refugees. Today both countries host over 90% of the world’s Afghan refugees and other migrants in refugee like situations (over 8 million people).? The region comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with all three countries classified as high or very high risk. ??Any durable solution for Afghan displacement in the region must address climate change and resource challenges, with a particular focus on water scarcity. ??In light of this, Samuel Hall and ADSP have collaborated on an expert analysis - drafted by Dr Sanaa Alimia. Based on interviews conducted in Pakistan, expert opinions, media and policy reports, and secondary data, presents three country profiles—Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran—highlighting their climate vulnerabilities and displacement challenges. ??Focused on climate, water, and Afghan migration, each section provides pathways forward for durable solutions for displacement, climate change, and water, with an emphasis on regional cooperation. Some key recommendations include:? 1?? Strengthen Local Capacity – Provide technical support to municipal governments and civil society in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran for climate, water, and migration governance. 2?? Enhance Regional Coordination –Strengthen intergovernmental and international collaboration on climate change, water management, and migration trends. 3?? Address Sanctions' Impact – Facilitate discussions on how sanctions on Iran and the Taliban-led Afghan government affect climate change management, particularly water issues. 4?? Invest in Local Solutions – Support local communities, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, lawyers, journalists, and academics in the region through training, grants, and visibility to advance environmental solutions. Dive into country specific? recommendations in our report and scroll for more insights:?https://lnkd.in/dRAjT4AQ

The recent USAID shut down and shifts in donor priorities have made it even harder to support Afghanistan’s 6.3 million internally displaced people (IDPs). ??Humanitarian aid is often short-term, and international development funding is uncertain. This raises the question: how can we build long-term solutions when traditional funding models fall short? ??In the latest edition of Forced Migration Review , Samuel Hall's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Nassim Majidi , joins Olivier Lavinal ( The World Bank) and Lauren McCarthy (formerly at IOM) to explore new ways to finance support for IDPs in fragile contexts like Afghanistan. Their article highlights why new, locally driven solutions are needed to navigate this shifting landscape. Key insights from their article: 1?? Rethinking urban solutions – Even with paused development planning, IDPs need access to public services and sustainable livelihoods to support long-term integration. 2?? The power of local actors – Samuel Hall’s work in Jalalabad (as part of International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)’s Protracted Displacement in Urban World Project) shows that participatory planning can help co-design solutions that truly meet community needs. 3?? Climate financing as an opportunity – With environmental shocks driving displacement, climate funding could be a game-changer—linking resilience-building with long-term solutions. 4?? Afghanistan’s diaspora and private sector – The article highlights how remittances and investments from the Afghan diaspora could help build more sustainable support systems. At Samuel Hall, we believe solutions to displacement must be evidence-based, inclusive, and responsive to evolving needs. This article reminds us that local voices must be at the heart of global responses—even in the most challenging contexts. ?? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/exMrNNhE