Migrant women’s rights not secured: Experts

Kathmandu, July 4:

Despite their contribution to the economy by bringing in remittances from foreign employment, the rights of women migrant workers have not been secured, experts said today.

They said this at an interaction on foreign employment and media organised by the Manchitra Media Group.

“A major transformation of traditional mindset of the people is necessary to ensure gender equality in our society and this is equally applicable in case of foreign employment of women,” women rights activist-turned CA member Sapana Malla Pradhan said. “There are many cases in which women are exploited in their homes and society. I wonder whether anyone prevents women from going abroad for employment, saying they are not secure there,” she said.

Journalist Punya Bhandari said the women should be granted opportunities for foreign employment on par with their male counterparts without any obstacle.

“The state should provide equal security to the male and female members of the society seeking foreign employment,” he said.

Saru Joshi, regional programme manager at the UNIFEM said: “Women migrant labourers have been sending remittances and contributing to reduce poverty in the country. But, there are no laws to safeguard their rights and provide them security. Migrant women labourers have no representation in the CA.”