International organisations under the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) have wrapped up a significant event in Bangkok advocating for the rights and opportunities of women migrant workers in ASEAN countries.
Titled "Safe Journey with Her: Ending Violence against Women for Safe and Fair Migration", the event highlighted the collaboration between the EU, International Labour Organisation (ILO), UN Women, and UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to protect and empower women migrant workers in this region.
The event, featuring an exhibition and a panel discussion on the subject, was part of the "Safe and Fair" program under the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative. It was held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) on 29 November 2023.
Ms Panudda Boonpala, Deputy Regional Director of ILO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, described the event as a celebration of the collective efforts by all partners to ensure a "safe journey" for women migrant workers. "But clearly the journey is a long one, so we really have to continue working together," she added.
The ILO representative said the "Safe and Fair" program, implemented in 2018-2030, offers an important platform for ASEAN countries to work together on challenging issues to ensure a "safe and fair journey" for women migrant workers. She pointed to the collaboration between the stakeholders in ASEAN from the public and private sectors to help find solutions for the issues.
Ms Sarah Knibbs, Deputy Regional Director of UN Women, said the "Safe and Fair" program has attained considerable achievements although more needs to be done to ensure that safe and fair migration becomes a reality for women in this region. She pointed to significant barriers that prevent women who experience violence from accessing the assistance they need, including stigma, lack of services, and confidentiality issues.
"It's extremely tough for women migrant workers who experience violence to get the help and support that they need," she said. The UN Women representative also called on everyone in society, as well as relevant institutions and organisations to work together to make violence against women a thing of the past.
The panel discussion featured five women working for improved rights and opportunities for women migrant workers in ASEAN. They are from the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand. The speakers shared their views and experiences on what should be done to protect and empower women migrant workers.
At the event, a photo exhibition told the stories of women migrant workers experiencing discrimination and violence at work and at home, committed by their husbands. However, there were also examples of those who could improve themselves to be able to help other migrant workers. A painting exhibition by Thai artist Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya reflected the lives of women migrant workers in a hopeful tone.