Sponsored content by Our Place Is Here.
By Tinig UK
There are about 3 million Filipino domestic workers around the world whose remittances sent back to the Philippines account for at least 8.8% of the country’s GDP. The country has benefited from their remittances that have cushioned the volatile economy from shocks.
In response to the challenging working conditions they face, migrant domestic workers – from Hong Kong to the UK – have organised themselves to protect their rights. Filipino Domestic Workers Association-UK and The Voice of Domestic Workers (VoDW) are examples of these efforts in the UK.
Other organisations that provide support for and campaign for the rights of migrant domestic workers are Kalayaan and Kanlungan – both based in London.
We can also do our part to help improve the wellbeing of Filipino domestic workers. Here are some of the ways in which you can help the cause!
#1 Inform yourself about issues affecting migrant workers in the UK
Although we are all busy with work and looking after our family, try to keep abreast of issues and policies affecting different migrant groups in the UK. What policies are affecting Filipino nurses, carers and those working in the health and care sector? What about domestic workers, or those working in transport and hospitality? The more informed you are about migrant policies, the better advocate you can be for migrant rights.
#2 Understand the situation of undocumented Filipinos
People’s immigration status is a sensitive topic that Filipinos avoid talking about during social occasions. Rather than judge or gossip about undocumented fellow Filipinos, be more understanding of their situation. They are going through a difficult time: they cannot travel to the Philippines to see their families, their work is insecure and they risk being deported.
#3 Donate
You can make a one-time or a monthly donation to organisations like Kanlungan, FDWA, and Voice of Domestic Workers (VoDW) who provide urgently needed, frontline support for migrant domestic workers who are trying to escape abusive employers or have just escaped. Donating to these organisations means workers who have been trafficked or exploited will get the community-based support they need when they need it.
You can make a one-time or a monthly donatin to support organisations like Kanlungan and VoDW.
#4 Volunteer
Do you have time to spare? Would you like to share some of your knowledge, talent, and expertise? You can come and contribute to the cause of migrant domestic workers. Lend your time to help with administrative work, providing immigration-related advice, or conducting research on various issues–based on your talents and competencies. Find out the opportunities to help Kalayaan and Kanlungan.
#5 Make your voice heard
There are many challenges that migrant domestic workers face on a daily basis. Keep abreast of developments and updates by following the pages of FDWA-UK, Kalayaan, Kanlungan, and VoDW. Show your support by joining upcoming in-person mobilisations near your neighbourhood.
#6 Write to your MP
One way to show that we value the contribution of domestic workers to British society is to advocate for their rights. Domestic workers are workers and, as such, should be entitled to the same labour rights. Write to your MP to move them to stop the exploitation of domestic workers by reinstating the rights of migrant workers, including their rights to change employers, renew their visa, indefinite leave to remain or settlement, and to British citizenship. Find out more here.
#7 Make a purchase
How about spending your money for a good cause? If you’d like to buy for yourself or give a gift that makes a difference, you can spend your money on some practical and powerful items that make a statement. FDWA-UK is selling hoodies and bags to augment their fundraising efforts for the Domestic Work is Work campaign. Get yours here!
#8 Deepen your involvement
Our Place is Here is a coalition of charities and community organisations drawing attention to the (lack of) rights of migrant domestic workers. Domestic work is not and should not be invisible; domestic workers deserve to be seen and acknowledged. Among these rights are freedom from abuse and protection by the justice system. Read more about OPIH and get updates on their activities here.
#9 Spread the word
Do you know any domestic workers in the UK? Tell them about the various programmes that are available to help enrich and empower them. One of them is the Empowered Domestic Workers programme organised by FDWA-UK, Kanlungan, and Porticus. The lineup of activities are varied and will help encourage domestic workers in the UK. They can sign up to participate here.
Top image credit: iStock/Softulka
Our Place Is Here is a campaign by a coalition of charities and community groups to raise people‘s awareness on the lack of workers´ rights by Filipino domestic workers in the UK. It aims to build community support for their demands for a minimum wage or sick pay, among others. Read more about how you can support the campaign.
If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking, modern-day slavery, or exploitation, you can contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700.
Kung ikaw o may kakilala ka na biktima ng human trafficking, pang-aalipin, o pang-aabuso, pwede mong kontakin ang Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline: 08000 121 700.
Find out how you can partner with Tinig UK to reach our Filipino readers.
