Empowering Women Migrant Workers in Asia: A Briefing Kit

"This briefing kit is informed by the experience of struggle, resilience and creative practice of women migrant workers and their support groups.It enhances an understanding of why and how prevention of discrimination and abuse of overseas women migrant workers should be addressed as issues of promoting gender equality; upholding basic human rights; promoting sustainable development and principles of good governance."

HIV Vulnerabilities of Migrant Women: from Asia to the Arab States: Shifting from Silence, Stigma and Shame to Safe Mobility with Dignity, Equity and Justice (pdf)

This report focuses on female migrant workers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, who worked in the host countries of Bahrain, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. Researchers' key findings concluded that female migrant workers are vulnerable to HIV during all stages of employment abroad. They face sexual assault, sexual exploitation and being trafficked into the commercial sex industry while applying for or being recruited into employment, or during transit between home countries and host countries. Home countries' policies can also contribute to the problem as banning women from working abroad serves to push worker migration underground.

How to obtain U Interim Relief: A Brief Manual for Advocates Assisting Immigrant Victims of Crime (pdf)

This manual provides U Visa information for advocates who assist victims of crime, including domestic violence. The author outlines the definition, requirements, and application process for U Visa Interim relief and also offers information on obtaining permanent residency and derivative status for family members.

Human Rights Protections Applicable to Women Migrant Workers: A UNIFEM Briefing Paper (pdf)

"This briefing paper is intended to provide some tools for human rights advocates working to advance the rights of women migrant workers using the five most relevant major human rights conventions: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the International Covenant on Social, Economic and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families (MWC). The publication concludes by providing examples of steps states may be required to take to ensure women migrant workers can enjoy their human rights."

Injustice on Our Plates: Immigrant Women in the U.S. Food Industry (pdf)

This report documents the workplace experiences of immigrant women who have come to the United States to escape poverty. It describes how the laws that are in place to protect them from exploitation are grossly inadequate. Section three talks specifically about sexual violence experienced in the workplace. Results are from interviews with approximately 150 women who are either currently undocumented or have spent time in the U.S. as undocumented immigrants.

Migrant Workers and Prevention (pdf)

This issue of their Partners in Social Change newsletter examines in-depth primary prevention of sexual violence with migrant workers.

Reaching Migrant Farm Workers: A Technical Assistance Bulletin for Sexual Violence Advocates and Counselors (pdf)

"Focused on the farming industry, the bulletin describes the risk factors for sexual violence for migrant workers, barriers to reporting, legal rights and advocacy strategies."