Thanks to the German Institute Taipei for Long-term Support of Migrant Workers' Rights

2024/07/18Article

Serve the People Association has long provided assistance to pregnant migrant mothers and injured or ill migrant workers, while also helping to resolve labor disputes for migrant workers. During this process, we found that female migrant workers are in a more vulnerable position compared to their male counterparts. They are not only at higher risk of being subjected to violence by their employers but also find it difficult to seek help due to closed working environments and unequal access to information.

To investigate the difficulties faced by female migrant workers, last year, with the support of the German Institute Taipei, Serve the People Association conducted in-depth interviews and research on the current situation of gender-based violence against female migrant workers. The study found that most female migrant workers choose to remain silent after being victimized due to fear of losing their jobs.

In response, we held a seminar inviting various migrant worker aid organizations to share cases and experiences of assisting female migrant workers, hoping to establish a more comprehensive protection network. Our frontline work has made it clear that the situation of gender-based violence against female migrant workers has not improved despite advancements in human rights in Taiwan. Just this week, we helped a migrant worker who had been sexually assaulted by her employer find shelter.

Recognizing the vulnerability of female migrant workers, the German Institute Taipei continues to support us in building on last year’s research findings to raise public awareness about the situation of female migrant workers. This year, we are conducting interviews and collecting stories of migrant workers who have experienced sexual harassment and pregnant migrant workers, with plans to publish a book by the end of the year. We will also produce and showcase a documentary film on migrant mothers.

Yesterday, Dr. Jörg Polster, Director of the German Institute Taipei, and Deputy Director Tracy Chang visited the Indonesian migrant workers' shelter. They exchanged views with frontline staff on issues such as the work rights, medical benefits, and childcare problems faced by pregnant female migrant workers.

We are grateful to the German Institute Taipei for their support and concern for migrant workers' rights, which enables local migrant organizations in Taiwan to continue providing assistance to female migrant workers and improving the situation of those in vulnerable positions.