SOCI R6&8/2 - Care Activism

Care Activism in the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore

Introduction to Care Activism

Care activism refers to the organized efforts by and for migrant domestic workers to improve their working conditions, rights, and social status. This activism is shaped by the political, economic, and social contexts of both sending and receiving countries. The chapter compares care activism in the Philippines (a major sending country) and in Hong Kong and Singapore (major receiving countries), highlighting the diversity of organizations, strategies, and challenges faced by migrant domestic workers.

• Migrant Domestic Workers: Individuals, predominantly women, who migrate to other countries to perform domestic labor such as housekeeping, caregiving, and childcare.

• Labor Export Policies: Governmental strategies that encourage or facilitate the migration of workers abroad, often as a means of economic development.

• Care Activism: Collective actions and advocacy aimed at improving the rights and welfare of care workers, especially migrants.

Global Context and Organizational Landscape

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are over 67 million domestic workers globally, with 11.5 million being migrants, of whom 8.5 million are women. The vast number of migrant domestic workers has led to the formation of international and regional organizations advocating for their rights.

• International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF): A global network headquartered in Geneva, connecting domestic worker organizations across continents.

• Gabriela-International and Migrante-International: Examples of organizations representing Filipino migrant domestic workers, with varying goals and activities depending on their context.

Comparative National Contexts

The nature and strategies of care activism differ significantly between the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore due to their unique political, economic, and social environments.

The Philippines: Care Activism in a Democracy

The Philippines is a major migrant-sending country with a state-supported labor export program since 1975. The government has established bureaucracies to manage migration, accredit agencies, and ensure the reintegration of returning workers. However, this system has also been critiqued as a "labor brokerage" model, prioritizing economic gains over workers' rights.

• Key Organizations: Migrante-Philippines, Gabriela, and other advocacy groups play a central role in contesting state policies and supporting migrant workers.

• Forms of Activism: Includes lobbying, public campaigns, legal support, and community organizing both domestically and transnationally.

• Challenges: Activists must navigate state bureaucracy, political repression, and the need to balance immediate support with broader systemic change.

• Example: Advocacy around high-profile cases (e.g., the case of Mary Jane Veloso) has mobilized both local and international support for migrant workers' rights.

Hong Kong: Care Activism in a Semi-Open Context

Hong Kong is a major destination for migrant domestic workers, especially from the Philippines and Indonesia. The city’s high demand for domestic labor is linked to its economic structure and the participation of women in the workforce. Hong Kong’s political environment allows for a relatively vibrant civil society, enabling diverse forms of activism.

• Key Organizations: Bethune House, United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL), and various ethnic-based and progressive groups.

• Forms of Activism: Public rallies, legal advocacy, educational workshops, and community support services.

• Challenges: Despite greater freedom of association, migrant workers face legal and social constraints, including restrictive employment contracts and limited pathways to permanent residency.

• Example: Sunday gatherings in public spaces serve as both social support and organizing opportunities for migrant workers.

Singapore: Care Activism in a Closed Context

Singapore also relies heavily on migrant domestic workers but maintains strict regulations on both workers and civil society organizations. Activism is more constrained, with organizations focusing on service provision and support rather than overt political advocacy.

• Key Organizations: Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME), Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2), and ethnic family networks.

• Forms of Activism: Legal aid, counseling, skills training, and limited advocacy within the boundaries set by the state.

• Challenges: Strict government oversight, mandatory medical testing, and the threat of deportation for activism or legal disputes.

• Example: HOME provides shelter, legal support, and community-building activities for migrant domestic workers facing abuse or legal issues.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic intensified the challenges faced by migrant domestic workers in all three countries, leading to longer working hours, increased risk of infection, and greater isolation. Activist organizations adapted by increasing support services and advocating for better protections.

• Key Issues: Restrictions on movement, lack of access to healthcare, and heightened vulnerability to exploitation.

• Organizational Response: Shift to virtual support, emergency aid, and renewed calls for policy reform.

Typology of Migrant Organizations

Migrant organizations can be classified based on their focus and strategies:

Type	Main Activities	Examples
Progressive/Advocacy	Political education, lobbying, public protest, legal advocacy	Migrante, Gabriela, UNIFIL
Service-Oriented	Legal aid, counseling, shelter, skills training	HOME, Bethune House
Economic Livelihood	Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, remittance support	Godmother Network, AIDHA
Ethnic/Family Networks	Social gatherings, peer support, cultural activities	Filipino Family Network, Indonesian Family Network

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Labor Brokerage State: A government that systematically manages and profits from the export of its labor force.

• Transnational Advocacy: Activism that crosses national borders, linking organizations and campaigns in both sending and receiving countries.

• Essential Work: Labor deemed necessary for the functioning of society, often highlighted during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparative Summary Table

Country	Activism Context	Key Organizations	Main Challenges
Philippines	Democratic, labor-exporting	Migrante, Gabriela	State bureaucracy, political repression
Hong Kong	Semi-open, high civil society activity	Bethune House, UNIFIL	Legal constraints, social discrimination
Singapore	Closed, restrictive regulations	HOME, TWC2	Strict government control, risk of deportation

Conclusion

Care activism among migrant domestic workers is shaped by the interplay of national policies, civil society space, and the lived experiences of workers. While the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore each present unique challenges and opportunities, the formation of communities of care and the pursuit of rights and recognition remain central to migrant activism. The COVID-19 pandemic has further underscored the essential nature of care work and the need for robust support systems for migrant workers.

Additional info: These notes synthesize and expand upon fragmented and partially legible content from the provided materials, drawing on established academic knowledge of migration, labor, and social movements in Asia.