Taiwanese Civic Groups Unite for Migrant Worker Rights and Palestinian Solidarity

Highlighting Exploitation and Advocating for Justice on International Women's Month

Taipei, Taiwan - In a powerful display of solidarity, a coalition of Taiwanese civic groups converged at Taipei Main Station to shed light on the struggles faced by female migrant workers and to express support for the Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The event, held on Sunday, March 30th, aligned with the global "One Billion Rising" campaign, which advocates for an end to violence against women.

The rally's central theme, "unite for a world free from war, exploitation, and displacement," underscored the dual focus of the day: advocating for the rights of female migrant workers within Taiwan and voicing concern for the plight of Palestinians.

Dozens of migrant workers, many of whom were present, marched around Taipei Main Station, shouting slogans such as "migrant women, fight for equal workers' rights." The demonstration served as a poignant closing to International Women's Month.

Speakers at the rally emphasized the specific challenges faced by migrant workers. Balderama Francia, chairperson of the National Domestic Workers' Union (Philippines), shared her personal experience of being severely beaten while working as a domestic caregiver in Taiwan. She recounted previous hardships, including her recruitment agency taking a "service fee" without providing needed assistance during an illness while working as a factory worker.

Francia highlighted the financial burdens imposed on migrant workers by recruitment fees in their home countries, which often create a cycle of debt. She also pointed out that live-in caregivers are not protected by Taiwan's Labor Standards Act, urging action from both the Taiwanese government and the governments of migrant workers' home countries to address these injustices.

Lennon Wang (汪英達), director of migrant worker policies at the Serve the People Foundation, echoed these concerns, noting the unfair treatment experienced by workers on fishing boats, who are also excluded from the Labor Standards Act. He also emphasized that NGOs have repeatedly requested the implementation of "fair recruitment principles" to eliminate the need for migrants to pay for their jobs, yet these requests have been ignored.

The event also drew a strong connection between the migrant worker struggles and the situation in Gaza. Amel Eid, a Palestinian psychologist working in Taiwan, drew parallels between the daily challenges of female migrant workers and Palestinian women, emphasizing their shared fight for survival and dignity.

Laura Moye, Israel/Palestine coordinator for Amnesty International (AI) Taiwan, added a critical perspective on the situation in Gaza, stating that Amnesty International has determined that Israel's attacks meet the threshold of a "genocide." She also called for Taiwan's government to reconsider its ongoing business dealings with the Israeli government, advocating for a shift away from business as usual.