By The SUN
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| Migrants doing the OBR dance that calls for an end to violence against women |
Migrant workers have called for better protection for themselves in a
statement they issued on Wednesday, which was celebrated all over the world as
International Women’s Day.
A statement from the International Migrants Alliance – HK and Macau said
their members who come from different nationalities, are asking for an end
against “modern-day slavery.”
This means, migrant women should be given equal treatment as their local
counterparts, and should not be accused of job-hopping when they try to find
better work conditions under a new employer.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE! |
“The host governments shall make sure that the rights, dignity and
welfare of every migrant worker is protected,” the group said.
Filipino migrants also called for an end to the Philippine government’s
labor export policy, saying the focus should be on providing employment at home
so women are not forced to leave their family behind in their quest for a
better life.
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| People turned out in force for the biggest event on Chater Road in 3 years |
Earlier on Sunday, hundreds of mostly migrant women took to Chater Road
in Central for the first big outdoor event there in three years, when
pandemic-related social distancing measures prevented people from gathering in public
places.
The celebration was highlighted by a celebration of the 10th
anniversary of the One Billion Rising global campaign to stop violence against
women.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
The OBR event started with a discussion of issues concerning women, especially
migrants.
Annabelle Maregmen, vice chairperson of Gabriela Hong Kong, said migrants
should not be happy with news that the Philippine government is looking for
more countries to host its workers, as this amounts to the commodification of
women.
This means women workers are being sent out of the country despite not
being paid enough and with not enough protection, as the government’s only
desire is for them to make money and help bolster the country’s coffers.
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She said the labor export policy first introduced by deposed president Ferdinand
E. Marcos is now being pursued and expanded by his son and namesake, as the
country’s new leader.
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| Tellez was among those who celebrated OBR's 10th year of campaigning for women rights |
The more fun part came after lunch, when women of various nationalities, including
staff and volunteers of the Mission for Migrant Workers, lined Chater Road to take
part in the iconic OBR dance.
They pranced, jumped and pumped up their fists in time with the OBR song calling
for women to rise and fight for their rights and denounce violence.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
The other side of the road was lined with booths where free services to
migrant workers such as blood pressure and blood glucose tests, massage, work-related
counseling and henna tattooing, were given.
These free services were part of the Give Care to Caregivers program of
the Mission for Migrant Workers, which used to be held several times a year
before the pandemic began.
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| The Caregiver booths on the other side of the road were always packed |
Mission’s general manager Cynthia Abdon-Tellez said they were happy with
the result of their biggest Care event in three years.
“Hindi pa nabilang ang mga
naserbisyuhan kasi laging puno ang mga service booths,” she said.
(We have yet to count the number of people who availed of the free
services because the booths were always full).
“Tatlong taon din kasing wala
tayong ganito kaya masaya ang mga tao.” (It’s because we did not have this
for three years so people were happy).
The day’s program also included a short performance by Hong Kong-based
Filipino musician Alex Bacunawa.
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| PADALA NA! |
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