Comprehensive data vital in RP’s migration policy

The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW), the government’s machinery for women’s advancement recognizes the country’s need for a comprehensive data on labor migration to address the needs and uphold the rights of women migrants.

The global phenomenon of migration poses particular challenges for women, thus the Philippine government is committed to protect and uphold the rights of women migrant workers.

To ensure that this phenomenon is given attention, the Philippine government through the NCRFW leads the upcoming “International Conference on Gender, Migration and Development: Seizing Opportunities, Upholding Rights” to be held on September 25-26, 2008 at the Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila.

The NCRFW with its partners the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), Women and Gender Institute of Miriam College (WAGI-MC) and Lola Grande Foundation for Women and Children, Inc. will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices in advancing the cause of women migrants and promote the generation of comprehensive data on labor migration.

The international conference is a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum to explore, highlight and propose actions and partnerships to address the issues on gender, migration and development.

International and regional organizations, government senior officials and parliamentarians (from United Nations Member States) directly involved in policy making, civil society, non-government organizations, religious groups, trade unions, academe, and private sector are expected to attend this conference.

Chair Yao added that inputs to this forum will contribute to the mainstreaming of a gender perspective in the deliberations of the 2nd Global Forum of Migration and Development to be held in Manila on October 27-30, 2008.