Feminization of Philippine Migration: A century Hence

• Daos, Bernadette• Verceles, Carla Joy

The reporters aim to discuss the meaning of Feminization and how it was developed in the Philippine

context during the time when migration became increasingly feminized—where more women

were taking employment as domestic workers, entertainers, and contract workers overseas.

Methodology

The reporters will provide a historical background and explanation of migration patterns in the Philippines; examine the feminization of migration; and introduce

the significance of these changes.

Introduction

Women as someone who is weak and should stay home and tend for her family has changed over the past few years.

“Feminization of migration” was termed as a recent trend in which gendered patterns are changing to a higher rate of women migrating for labor or marriage than men. ~Philippine labor migration

Background Two factors which resulted to the increase of

Female migrant workers according to POEA(1) Sustained demand from countries all over the world for their skills, particularly those related to domestic work, club entertainment and care giving.(2) Inability of the local economy to generate enough jobs and adequate income for women.

1980s to 1990s , The feminization of migration in the Philippines came about in as women in Hong Kong and Singapore started joining the workforce and needed foreign household workers to help in housekeeping and child-rearing.

Countries where there are more Filipina OFWs

1991- 40.6% 1992- 51% 1993-1995- 60%

2010-2012•ASIA- 72% •EUROPE-11%•AMERICA-8%•Others- 9%

There are a total of 320,279 Deployed Land-based OFWs and 185,602 are female. ~ POEA

Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Britain, Spain and Italy

Top 5 occupation where women dominates men

Filipina workers are empowered to go abroad because of the reason that aside from Filipino men providing for their family, they are able to earn for their family as well. However, leaving their family behind is a painful experience. (Parrenas, 2001)

A study made by Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People together with Apostleship of the Sea - Manila said that Filipino children preferred their fathers to migrate rather than their mothers because it makes a lot of difference in their households when their mothers are abroad which can also have an impact of the country of origin.

Impact to Family LifeMigration of females changed the

dynamics and strategies in their households

Children of female migrants are more affected

Behavioral problemsMaterialistic

Impact on Countries of Origin

Remittances (Positive)Brain drainState of the families left behind, social

conflicts

Problems Female OFW experience

Female workers are prone to abuses and maltreatment

They are more vulnerable than men

The nature of their jobs is individualized work environment

NGOs that assists women

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Asia-Pacific (CATWAP)

ATIKHA Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative

Batis Center for Women

They initiate programs to promote women's human rights and assists victims of trafficking, prostitution and all forms of violence against women in the Asia-Pacific region.

Coalition Against Trafficking in Women - Asia-Pacific

They provide economic and social services to overseas Filipino workers and their families in the Philippines. The organization aims to help address the social cost of migration and tap the development potential of migration

ATIKHA Overseas Workers and Communities Initiative

They provides the needs of distressed overseas Filipina workers by:

Legally assisting exploited migrant women

Helping fight gender oppression, trafficking, violence and other human rights violation against migrant women.

Influence the government to enact laws that would protect the rights of migrant women and their families.

Batis Center for Women

Analysis

The international community has developed a market, which in turn has created opportunities for Filipinas to work abroad and the women, who are working as domestic labourers, are entering into job positions that can be seen as unskilled and thus are undervalued.

Analysis

Through economic opportunities abroad, women are able to financially support their families through which they gain a sense of empowerment. However, Feminization of migration has led to many challenges and changes within the Filipino family.

Analysis

Though, not everyone share the same perspective on this issue, its negative impact applies on the Cultural and traditional norms of Filipino society, women’s migration and their entry into the position of primary breadwinner; conflicts with their prescribed roles in society generates new conflict and challenges within the family’s dynamics.

Conclusion

Therefore, the researchers conclude that the challenges brought about by international migration to the Philippines are multi-faceted. This phenomenon has proved that women can go beyond the stereotype of being a person who should just stay at home and cater housekeeping services for the family.

Conclusion

The norms in the Philippines are now switching to a scenario wherein women can assume the responsibilities of men as breadwinners of their families. Despite all the norms and risks faced by Filipina migrant workers, they are more empowered to go abroad and work for their family as they are the center for protection mandated by international laws around the world.

Conclusion

Psychologically, it is hard for both migrants and their families to be apart and it is just right that government agencies such as POEA help these migrant workers in fighting for their rights not only as workers but as humans as well. Seeing that Migration is inevitable, it is very important to follow-up and study the cases of our fellow Filipinos overseas.

Conclusion

Through this kind of practice, our government will be able to update the laws protecting our very own Filipino citizens overseas and at the same time be able to document learn from the stories which challenges the culture of our nation.