International Women’s’ Day 2018
Show Solidarity - Be An Ally in Our Struggle!
Migrant workers are often spoken about and constructed in a variety
of ways from “victim” and “runaway”-implies ownership (both mainly applied to
women) to “illegal violater absconder”–
criminal to “OFW” and “Hero” by the Philippine state. Each one leads onto
different treatment of migrant workers and shapes their behavior and ability to
speak out and represent themselves on their rights and demand protection and
justice.
On International Women’s’ Day, Kanlungan asked women migrant workers
how would they describe themselves:
I'm like a bamboo - even
how many typhoons I’m still trying to be strong, so that I will not fall.
Sometimes you bow because of so much problems that you are facing constantly.
Sometimes I will bend where the wind blows so that I will not be hurt again so
much, then I will stand and be strong.
Facing problems is by
giving time on how to possibly solve the problem and find solutions. This
process is not only applicable to women migrant workers but to all is well. The
only difference I think is that you have to make strong decisions as a migrant
worker because you are away from home and good friends that always gives you
advice regarding the problem that you are facing.
As a woman migrant worker I
can describe myself as someone having positive actions in all the problems that
I have encountered. Like by avoiding the young sir who was courting me - it is
a violation of my right as an OFW.
As a woman migrant worker
the hardest part to accept is I'm looking after someone's child while my own
kids are hungry for my touch.
As a woman migrant I will
describe myself as someone who will not leave the country again if there is job
opportunities waiting for me in the Philippines.
I would describe myself as
a strong woman because I left my child behind for his future and that's the
painful part of being a mother.
I became strong in all the
problems that I encountered as a woman migrant worker
As a woman migrant work it
was not easy to adjust but in some way I can describe myself as BRAVE
As a woman with power “ Woman Empowerment”.
Women migrant workers struggle is to be strong, brave and feel
powerful in the everyday and in their lives must be recognized, celebrated and
be the foundation upon which any interventions are designed to support them.
‘Protection’ for women migrant workers must not be built upon an asymmetrical
power relation that undermines their strength.
The struggle for women migrant workers also includes working
together with other migrant workers and their allies to fight to reduce the
number of “sacrifices” and “problems” they face due to gender discrimination
and inequality, exploitation, abuse, control and violence.
Many migrant workers show solidarity with other workers day to day,
others have individually or organized as a group to call for their rights and
justice, often by social media. These independent practices of mutual support
and collective action should be recognized and supported.
We must continue to struggle for ALL migrant workers human and
labour rights.
As “women’s rights are human rights”, this includes women migrant
workers struggle against systemic discrimination, gender inequality and
discriminatory gender norms and stereotypes that underlie certain practices,
beliefs and behaviours. Subsequently when we speak of ‘protection’ for women
migrant workers these rights must also be included.
There are competing claims to ‘protect’ women migrant workers – some
are rights based, others are not – few include women’s rights.
Every time policies of protection for women migrant workers are
suggested they must be scrutinized for: the rationale that lies behind, the
type of power relations created, whether women migrant workers are central in
their development and evaluation and the consequences to women’s and labour
rights.
This is now more urgent globally as all migrant workers face
increasing surveillance and mechanisms to control them – with some legitimized
in the name of humanitarian ‘Protection’. This has added to the considerable
risks and dangers facing migrants. ‘Protection’ must be grounded in solidarity
with the migrant workers struggles.
Women migrant workers have a voice they just need to feel empowered
to use it and people need to be
encouraged to listen. More must be done to create sustainable space where
women migrant workers can collectively bring their demands in person.
Women’s movements must be inclusive with diverse groups of women,
including migrant workers representing and speaking for themselves. (Women can
become powerful it doesn't need to include the domination of another) All
women's work needs to be noticed and valued, not just those that are most
visible.
Women migrant workers need to be recognized as political speaking
beings, so they can assume positions of authority and influence in their own
movement.
Celebrate as Women Migrant Workers
Who You Are and What You Do!
I am proud that I have seen
my children, siblings, nieces and nephews finish their studies and also to
provide things they need.
I'm proud to help families
and relatives on the financial, you become more independent, strong and smart
in making decisions.
I'm very proud to say that
I am a strong woman, brave and show to my employers that I have a real
principle as a migrant woman, that no one can break my positive decision in
life.
I am proud that I was able
to help my family and am proud of my profession.
I'm proud of being me. I'm
proud that I am not only a woman, but a daughter, sister, mother to my
children. But beyond all I've said I'm proud I am a father to my children. I'm
proud of myself because for almost 6 years I learned how to become a man.
Without asking anybody to support my children. I did it all by myself. I'm
proud of myself when sometimes I look back at all the pain and hardship I
surpassed. I'm proud I am strong enough.
As a mother I am proud that
I have established my family and sent my children to school even though I am a
solo parent.
I'm proud I was able to
defend myself and help others as well.
I'm proud that I was able
to establish and send my children to school. As a parent, education is the only
thing they can inherit from me. I'm happy because my children are studying
hard, even though how tired I am in my work, my sacrifices are with it.
I am proud because I was
able to withstand being a mother and father to my children (to support their
studies)
I am proud because in some
ways I was able to go to another country at least I have learned a lot from the
country where I was.
Women migrant workers strive to cope and develop
themselves often in very difficult circumstances – whilst building many other
peoples lives upon their shoulders.
Show
these women the RESPECT they deserve!
