Shattering Barriers: The Unseen Strength of Female Migrant Workers

In this edition of our newsletter, we take a deep and respectful look at the challenges faced by female migrant workers - an often-overlooked group whose contributions are vital to families, communities, and economies. These women are not only working abroad to earn a living but are also striving to create a better future for their families back home. However, their journeys are often marred by significant challenges and struggles that deserve our attention and support.

As we recognize their incredible strength, we delve into the realities that women face in the migration cycle - from the initial decision to migrate to their return home. The stories and statistics shared here reflect not just the harsh realities these women endure but also the hope for change. Let’s stand together in respect and solidarity with these women, advocating for safer, fairer migration systems.

The Migration Journey: Unseen Struggles of Female Migrant Workers

In Bangladesh alone, approximately 4 million women have migrated for work in the last decade, many to Middle Eastern countries. Yet, the journey is not as smooth as it seems.

For these women, migration often begins as a hope for a better life but turns into a harsh reality of abuse, exploitation, and even isolation. Their migration journey is complicated by a lack of awareness about their rights and limited access to support.

Challenges Upon Return: The Stigma of a Migrant Woman

The return of a female migrant worker should be a time of joy and reunion. However, the reality is often starkly different. Around 70% of female returnee migrant workers face gender-based stigma in their communities, regardless of whether they return with money or empty-handed.

• With Money: While many women return with money after completing their contracts, they are often met with suspicion and false accusations. Neighbors or even relatives may question the means by which the money was earned, leading to feelings of shame and alienation. Some are accused of immoral behavior, simply because they returned with a good sum of money. One woman shared, "My neighbors said I must have earned my money by sleeping with other men because I came back with a good amount of money."
• Without Money: On the other hand, women who return without the expected financial success face hurtful words and rejection. They are often seen as failures, with their community casting blame on them for not fulfilling the expectations placed on them. A common sentiment from returnees is, "If we come back empty-handed, all we get is hurtful words and bad behavior."

The societal pressures and rejection these women experience make it difficult for them to reintegrate and move forward. This often leads them to consider migrating again, even after traumatic experiences.

Access to Justice: Where is the Support for Female Migrant Workers?

The road to justice for migrant workers is fraught with obstacles. While women face abuse and exploitation, they rarely have the resources or knowledge to seek justice.

Barriers to Seeking Legal Remedies:

1. Lack of Knowledge: 85% of returnee women shared that they had no information about their rights as migrant workers, and many were unaware of the specific provisions in their employment contracts.
2. Confiscation of Documents: Many women find themselves without passports or other important documents, which prevents them from reaching out for help. Over 50% of domestic workers report having their passports taken by employers, making it nearly impossible to seek assistance or return home.
3. Embassy Support: Reports of unhelpful, even hostile treatment from embassies are widespread. 68% of female migrant workers reported that their attempts to seek help from their embassies were met with indifference or threats, often being told to return to their employers or face deportation. One woman recounted, “I was shocked when the embassy shouted at me, telling me to return to the same abusive employer.”

Abusive Employment Agencies: Women who approach employment agencies for assistance often face physical abuse, theft, and further exploitation. 40% of women reported being beaten or having their belongings taken by agency staff, who prioritize profits over the well-being of the workers.

The Need for Safe and Fair Migration: A Vision for the Future

Based on the lived experiences of female migrant workers, it is clear that systemic changes are needed to ensure that migration is both safe and fair for women. Here are the key areas for improvement:

Recommendations from Female Migrant Workers:

• Government Intervention: Women migrant workers emphasized the need for better regulations and accountability for recruiting agents. 90% of women expressed the need for a system where sub-agents are registered and held accountable for the recruitment practices, they promote.
• Access to Information: Women need better access to accurate, up-to-date information about job opportunities, wages, benefits, and their rights. This information should be made available through government platforms, community-based organizations, and online resources.
• Embassy and Legal Support: Embassies must offer 24/7 support, providing emergency services, legal assistance, and safe shelters for migrant workers in distress. 73% of women expressed the desire for more accessible and supportive embassy services in the destination country.
• Employer Accountability: Employers must respect and fulfill their obligations under the employment contract, ensuring women receive their agreed-upon salary, benefits, and protection from abuse. Employers should also respect women’s dignity, regardless of nationality, race, or ethnicity.

Ami Probashi’s Role: Supporting Female Migrant Workers

At Ami Probashi, we believe that women’s voices must be heard, and their rights must be protected. As a community, we stand in solidarity with women migrant workers and are committed to advocating for their dignity, rights, and well-being.

Our Call to Action:

• Raise Awareness: Spread the word about the challenges faced by women migrant workers and the need for reforms in migration systems.
• Support Legal Advocacy: Support organizations that provide legal aid, shelter, and advocacy services for migrant workers who face abuse or exploitation.
• Demand Change: Join the call for stronger policies that protect migrant workers, especially women, at every stage of their migration journey.

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the struggles faced by migrant women. Together, we must create a world where migration is safe, fair, and empowering for every woman.

A Message of Respect and Solidarity

To the countless women who have migrated with the hope of a better life, your strength and resilience inspire us all. You are not forgotten, and your sacrifices are not in vain. We stand with you, and we will continue to fight for justice, equality, and respect for all women migrant workers.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your sacrifices. You are an inspiration.