A coalition of civic groups gathered at Taipei Main Station on Sunday to shed light on abuses against female migrant workers and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The demonstration was part of the global “One Billion Rising” campaign, which has been advocating for an end to violence against women since 2012.
This year’s theme, “Unite for a world free from war, exploitation, and displacement,” emphasized not only gender-based violence but also the intersection of migrant rights, labor exploitation, and international conflicts.
Migrant Workers Demand Equal Rights in Taiwan
One of the rally’s primary focuses was the systemic mistreatment of female migrant workers in Taiwan, particularly those employed as caregivers and factory workers.
Dozens of migrant workers marched outside Taipei Main Station while chanting slogans like “Migrant women, fight for equal workers’ rights!” The demonstration marked the conclusion of International Women’s Month and aimed to highlight ongoing labor injustices.
Testimonies Reveal Exploitation and Abuse
Balderama Francia, a domestic caregiver from the Philippines and chairperson of the National Domestic Workers’ Union, shared her personal experiences of abuse. She recalled how she was severely beaten by her employer while working in Taiwan.
Before becoming a caregiver, Francia was a factory worker, but when she fell ill, her recruitment agency failed to provide assistance despite taking over NT$1,000 (US$30.15) monthly as a “service fee.”
She emphasized that many migrant workers arrive in Taiwan already in debt due to high recruitment fees imposed by agencies in their home countries. This financial burden traps them in exploitative working conditions, leaving them with little recourse.
Live-in Caregivers and Fishing Crews Lack Legal Protection
Lennon Wang (汪英達), director of migrant worker policies at the Serve the People Foundation, pointed out that live-in caregivers and fishing boat crews are excluded from Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act.
“For over 30 years, NGOs have repeatedly petitioned the government for fair recruitment principles, ensuring migrants don’t have to pay to work. But our demands continue to be ignored,” Wang said.
The fishing industry, in particular, has been widely criticized for exploitative conditions, with many migrant fishers working under harsh and abusive environments.
Palestinian Women’s Struggles Highlighted in Rally
The demonstration also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, drawing parallels between Palestinian women’s suffering and the struggles faced by migrant workers.
Palestinian Speaker Calls for Global Solidarity
Amel Eid, a Palestinian psychologist working in Taiwan, spoke about the daily struggles of Palestinian women, who face displacement, war, and constant threats to their dignity and survival.
“Palestinian women wake up every day to bombings, displacement, and the relentless struggle for dignity,” Eid said.
“They raise their children amid destruction and grief, yet they continue to fight for freedom and justice.”
Her words resonated with many in attendance, emphasizing the intersection of global struggles for human rights.
Amnesty International Taiwan Labels Israel’s Actions ‘Genocide’
Laura Moye, Israel/Palestine coordinator for Amnesty International (AI) Taiwan, criticized Taiwan’s ongoing business dealings with Israel despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“Amnesty International has determined that Israel’s attacks on Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide. Despite this, Taiwan continues its business as usual with Israel,” Moye stated.
Many activists called for Taiwan to re-evaluate its diplomatic and trade relations in light of human rights violations.
FAQs
What is the ‘One Billion Rising’ campaign?
The One Billion Rising movement, launched in 2012, aims to end violence against women worldwide through protests, performances, and awareness campaigns.
What are the main labor issues faced by migrant workers in Taiwan?
Migrant workers, especially caregivers and fishing crews, lack legal protections, face recruitment debts, and are often exploited by agencies and employers.
How are Palestinian women’s struggles connected to the rally’s theme?
Both migrant workers in Taiwan and Palestinian women face displacement, abuse, and a lack of rights—making the struggle for dignity and freedom a shared global issue.
Why is Amnesty International calling Israel’s actions ‘genocide’?
Amnesty International and other human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, arguing that its attacks on civilians meet the criteria for genocide under international law.
What are activists demanding from Taiwan’s government?
Activists are urging Taiwan to protect migrant workers, reform labor laws, and reconsider its diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in light of human rights concerns.
