Gender and empowerment among young migrant women: the case of domestic helpers in two Religious of Mary Immaculate (RMI) social centers

The study explores the gender views and the empowerment of young migrant women who are involved in the training program at the Religious of Mary Immaculate (RMI) Social Centers. It also describes the characteristics of the respondents and their motivation for participating in the centers. The study interviewed 36 single, young women who work as domestic helpers in Metro Manila. They have had some secondary education and they hailed mostly from poor and large families. Findings showed that respondents held traditional perceptions of gender roles and stereotypes. They were not aware of gender inequalities in their families and in the households that they serve. The lack of consciousness of gender inequalities has led them to justify the disparities particularly in wages and hours of work between female and male employees. In terms of empowerment, these women have achieved a certain degree of empowerment because of their migration experience and their involvement in the training program at the RMI Social Centers. It is crucial that programs concerned with education, skills training and upliftment of the status of migrant women should include training on gender-sensitivity, assertiveness and other life skills that promote empowerment