The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) stressed the importance of promoting the voting rights of women migrant workers whose voices need to be heard due to the challenges they face in the midst of the global health crisis.
"Huwag kalimutan isaalang-alang ang karapatan ng migranteng kababaihan ngayong darating na eleksyon, (Don’t forget to consider the rights of migrant women in this coming election)," the CHR posted on social media.
Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are high among migrants, and a huge number have already lost their jobs and were sent home or stranded, the CHR said.
It lamented that some migrants even suffered from abuse and harassment, while others faced non-payment and provision of their benefits.
It noted that those who still have jobs are dealing with heavy workloads, and they are pressured to send financial support to their families and loved ones.
Thus, the CHR pointed out that migrant workers need social protection in the Philippines and other countries as well as health care that would cover their mental and productive health.
They also need proper employment and reintegration programs, and the government should recognize migrant organizations and listen to their requests, it added.
To address their needs, CHR stressed that their votes matter and "patuloy ang laban para sa pantay na partipasyong politikal ng mga kababaihan (the fight for equal political participation of women continues)."
Citing data, the CHR said in 2019, only 19 percent of registered women overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) voted. The low turnout of numbers was dismal considering that 61 percent of registered OFW voters are female compared to 39 percent male, it said.
The commission expressed hopes that there would be an improved voter turnout among female migrant workers this year.
It urged women migrant workers to educate themselves on proper voting processes from their embassies and consulates and enjoin other OFWs to do the same.