International Women’s Day: Equal Rights to Empower Migrant Women
8 March
Today is International Women's Day, a day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
In Singapore, migrant women are essential contributors to our economy and households, performing critical tasks in many sectors of work, including domestic work, F&B, hospitality and cleaning. While it is crucial to celebrate the resilience of these migrant women, who would have often left behind young children and their families and face unique challenges in a new environment, it is equally important to ensure they are granted sufficient rights and protections.
Migrant women frequently encounter barriers such as discrimination and exploitative practices. Thus, even as we laud their strength, we must provide them with strong labour and social protections to ensure that they are able to live and work with dignity. By prioritizing their rights, providing legal protections, and supporting inclusive policies, we can empower migrant women to thrive. True equality comes not just from celebration, but from creating lasting, equitable change.
This International Women’s Day, HOME calls for:
A ban on discriminatory practices such as prohibiting women migrant workers from being pregnant;
The inclusion of migrant domestic workers to the Employment Act;
The right for all migrant workers to change employers, with clear, defined notice periods; and
Weekly, 24-hour rest days for migrant domestic workers.
In 2024, HOME had articulated these demands during Singapore’s review of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in 2024. Access our speech here: https://www.home.org.sg/our-updates/2024/7/26/home-advocates-for-migrant-domestic-workers-at-cedaw