The Sexual and Reproductive Health Status and Needs of Filipino Women Migrant Domestic Workers

1. The Sexual and Reproductive Health Status and Needs of Filipino Women Migrant Domestic Workers Carolyn I. Sobritchea A Study Conducted by ACHIEVE with the support of UNFPA, Philippines

2. Research Context • 60,000 to 80,000 Filipinos go abroad annually for domestic work; • Most of them (98%) are females; • They work in many countries around the world, mainly in Southeast and West Asia; • Unlike other migrant workers, they are not effectively and appropriately protected by existing international, multilateral labor and related instruments; • Previous studies show that they are most vulnerable to labor and other abuses

3. Research objectives To generate baseline data about the sexuality, gender and reproductive health problems and concerns of Filipino women working abroad as domestic workers. To recommend measures (e.g. policy, program and service) to respond to their SRH problems

4. Study Design • Survey of a representative sample of 302 female migrant domestic workers who were in the Philippines at the time of the study; • Focus group discussions to validate the analytical framework, develop the survey instruments and validate the research findings; • Key informant interviews

5. Analytical Framework • Factors that influence ARH status: personal context prior to deployment (e.g. values, knowledge, attitudes, practices) nature of work contract and work condition; • Other factors: support groups and networks, access to SRH information and services abroad or on the jobsite

6. Findings • Most of the study participants have limited access to SRH health information and services both here in the Philippines and abroad; • They have poor health-seeking behavior influenced by traditional constructions of feminine identities and norms; • Many have serious misconceptions about the causes of STIs, especially HIV; • The lack the skills in managing their fertility • Their work contracts and work conditions do not allow them to have access to SRH information and services

7. Personal Characteristics • 72% between the ages of 24-44 (reproductive age group) • More married women compared to earlier groups of overseas domestic workers; • Lower educational status compared to the earlier groups of overseas domestic workers; • They come from the provinces with higher rates of unemployment or lack of job opportunties

8. SRH problems and concerns • Gynecological problems (e.g. painful menstruation, ovarian/uterine cyst, abortion complication, ectopic pregnancy) • Unsafe abortion • Rape • Physical and emotional abuse • RTIs

9. Some analyses • Both personal and structural factors, interacting in complex ways, put female migrant domestic workers in situations that make them vulnerable to SRH problem; • Traditional constructions of gender identities (especially notions of marital relations, mothering and motherhood, the sexual self, notions of being a breadwinner) interact in varied ways with the social spaces/locations abroad. • Nonetheless, there is evidence to show of individual and collective efforts and strategies to protect oneself from harm and risks.

10. Some recommendations • Advocate for an international covenant to protect and promote the human rights of migrant domestic workers, especially women; • Continue efforts are ensuring state compliance with existing international, multilateral and bilateral agreements/political declarations and action plans; • Strengthen capacity of civil society groups here and abroad to respond to the labor and SRH issues and concerns of female migrant domestic workers

11. THANK YOU! Let’s support the Reproductive Health Bill now being deliberated upon in Congress