F emale M igrant W orkers E qual P articipation O n N etworks FM-WEPON Project

FM - WEPON ‘ Migrant workers are not going home after the economic ‘ drop down ’ because they are all ready at home ’. - Bruce Morrison

FM – WEPON Project Is currently working With and for female migrant workers ‘Person who is to be engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which he or she is not a national.’ ( ICMW, 1990., Article 2 ) With spouses of migrant workers

Supported by

Project rationale Diversity within migrant workers Female migrant workers were under represented Female partners of migrant workers were not represented at all

A Summary of Project & Objectives Focus on developing and building the capacity of female migrant workers and spouses of migrant workers Establish and develop local space for the inclusion of their voice Seek to strengthen the voice and the quality of participation in community Empower to contribute experience and knowledge Establish and facilitate highly adaptable, skilled and competent mediators and community leaders

Activities to date Project commenced in August 2005 Since that time we created a logo which encompasses the direction and aspirations of the project.

Activities to date Produced informative material about the project that was distributed through outreach work to 58 potential participants, and to 16 organisations in the Tallaght area.

Regular meeting with the Participants to lobby to influence policy pertaining to work permits of spouses of migrant workers to Organise to raise awareness of issues around community safety and anti-racism to develop housing and social protection policies that will cater for the problems experienced by migrant workers. And to Work towards a solid network of support and solidarity

Project Launch The project was officially launched in South Dublin County Council Chambers by the Mayor of South Dublin County Council. The launch attracted attendance from organisations working in this area, participants in the network, and representatives of South Dublin County Council.

Conclusion We hope that this pilot project will provide women migrant workers with the capacity to participate effectively in their local communities, to foster integration. We plan to develop a model of work that will perhaps provide other areas with the impetus to engage in similar actions.