Introduction
The changing socio-economic and geo-political context of the region, and the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the structural inequalities. They also exacerbated many of the human rights challenges already faced by migrants, including restrictions on movement, lack of access to basic services, decent work, social protection and adequate living conditions as well as exposure to xenophobia, discrimination and criminalisation.
In the face of different forms of human rights violations, women migrants and their organisations have stood up and demanded justice by organising, campaigning and advocating for policy change. As a way to support the organising efforts of women migrants and amplify the grassroot voices, Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) is conducting Feminist Participatory Action Research for migrant women’s human rights (Migration FPAR) in 2019-2021. In the 2-year journey, Migration FPAR partners conducted research, collected stories and data in their communities, and used the findings for advocacy and movement building.
To commemorate the International Migrants Day, APWLD together with the Migration FPAR partners is launching a podcast series. In this series, the amazing young researchers representing seven organisations in Nepal, India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Malaysia will take you inside their two year FPAR journey sharing the challenges faced by the women migrants’ community, and the role FPAR played in their organising to challenge systemic barriers and bring change for and within their communities.
Check out the illuminating sharing from the Migration FPAR researchers on their work, learning, reflection, and the next steps in fighting for human rights of women migrants.
Episode 1
“We need protection, not restrictions on the freedom of movement” Interview with Amira Subba, AMKAS, Nepal
This Episode is in Nepali, but you can follow the English transcription here.
Episode 2
“Sex workers are workers! They should enjoy equal rights” Interview with Seema Sayyed, Aastha Parivaar, India
This Episode is in Hindi, but you can follow the English transcription here.
Episode 3
“Organise returnee migrants workers to fight against document confiscation by recruitment agencies” Interview with Poniyati, Kabar Bumi, Indonesia
This Episode is in Bahasa Indonesia, but you can follow the English transcription here.
Episode 4
“Fight for an equal society where migrant domestic workers are being recognised” Interview with Aayushi Bam, NAWHRD, Nepal
This Episode is in Nepali, but you can follow the English transcription here.
Episode 5
“Fighting Behind Closed Doors – Domestic Workers’ Rights in Malaysia” Interview with Azura from Tenaganita, Malaysia
Episode 6
“The dream to end overcharging and exploitation” Interview with Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, IMWU, Hong Kong
This Episode is in Bahasa Indonesia, but you can follow the English transcription here.
Episode 7
“Empowering women migrant workers against gender-based violence in their migration journey“ Interview with Manata Sadykova, DANKO, Kyrgyzstan
***TRIGGER WARNING***
This Episode includes references to rape and physical and sexual violence. Listeners discretion advised.
Recorded, edited, and produced for APWLD by Dia Yonzon (Episodes 1, 4 and 7), Vanita Raghuvanshi (Episodes 2 and 5), and Andita Listyarini (Episodes 3 and 6).
