In June this year, the ILO adopted its 190th Convention, which tackles violence and harassment in the
world of work. While the Convention’s focus on inclusivity is significant, some groups, and workers in
certain sectors, occupations and work arrangements are acknowledged to be particularly at risk of violence
and harassment; for instance, in services, agriculture or domestic work, many of the sectors which often
employ women migrant workers.
Addressing these risks, as well as the gender-specific barriers preventing women migrant workers from
accessing digital technologies, is critical to harness women’s current use of social networking apps and
mobile connectivity. In addition, the study also points to the limits and risks associated with the use of
mobile ICT, including data security and privacy protection.
This study provides all stakeholders involved in each stage of the labour migration process (governments,
unions, employers, and civil society) with a better knowledge of how women migrant workers use mobile
technologies. We hope it will help them develop adequate strategies and tools needed to ensure women’s
labour migration in ASEAN is safe and fair.
The full report can be found here.