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There is a tendency that we see migrant workers as workers, not as human beings. It is hard
to find them personalized. The group immediately went for domestic worker, while there are many
other options such as factory worker, construction worker, waitress, etc. Also, the group
made the assumption that the oldest daughter has the prime responsibility. This might not be

true for all. She might have different reasons. For example, she might have dreams or aspired
for city life.

The one thing that we should pay attention to is the fact that she is partly brave and daring, but at
the same time she is vulnerable. Where does this vulnerability come from? Illegal border crossing?
Does she know that crossing the border is illegal? Whose responsibility is that? What about her
access to legal mechanisms? The constitution only defines the rights and liberties of its own
nationals. When migrant workers come to other countries, what legal mechanisms exist that they
could rely on? Even if there is a Convention on migrants rights, it is problematic because it has

been ratified by sending countries, but not by receiving countries. It means that in reality there is
no legal protection available to them once they are in other countries. How can we ensure equality
for those migrant workers?

➔ Group 3 : Aminaûs Story

Amina is a Muslim widow from a middle class family. She was educated in the UK and now

she is a teacher. She used to live in areas where liberal Muslims live so that she need
not wear a purdah. But she transferred to a remote area where not wearing purdah is
frowned upon.
■ She feels that she is socially censured both from men and women
■ She wants to exercise her rights without sacrificing her being a good Muslim
■ She wants to socialize with people but since she does not wear a purdah her
mobility and social relations were largely restricted
■ It affects her profession as well because she is always under suspicion that
she is too much westernized

■ Even if she used to have a strong sense of her cultural and religious identity,
it seems that everything is in conflict and confusion.
■ Also, she feels insecure as she is subject to assault when she does not wear
a purdah
■ She thinks that forcing people to wear a purdah against their own will is
a kind of violation of equal treatment.

Ms. Irawati Harsono, a representative of Convention Watch, commented that: