1. PINAY (Filipino Women’s Organization in Quebec)
Evelyn Calugay
Chairperson

2. MISSION STATEMENT
PINAY is a not-for-profit grassroots organization for migrant and immigrant Filipino women that was founded in Our mission is to empower Filipino women, and in particular domestic workers, to fight for their basic rights and welfare.
As an organization, we educate caregivers on their rights, organize migrant and immigrant women workers, provide services to our members and advocate for progressive changes to immigration and labour policy in Quebec.
For over two decades, PINAY has brought together caregivers and their supporters in the struggle to improve the working and living conditions of domestic workers

3. BASIC ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Legal Information Clinic
Educational presentations & cultural activities
Fundraising activities
Managing daily operational expenses
Administrative tasks
Social media
Casework & student supervision
Member outreach & mobilization
Maintaining allies & partnerships
Organizing Committee
Executive Committee
Education
Committee
Finance
PINAY is run on a 100% volunteer basis.
Our members join a committee and participate in these tasks, among others. The Executive Committee members are elected biannually.

4. PINAY’s PROGRAM b. Philippines Overseas Employment Agency policy/
Overseas Workers Welfare Assistance
c. Quebec Values
d. Recent issues
Legal Information Clinic Services – based on the availability
the members
Monthly Fundraising Activities
Workshops :
a. Labour regulations
b. Immigration policies
c. Charter of Rights
d. Human Trafficking – emphasis for Forced Labour
e. Theater workshop/ other skills training
Forums/ Education Discussions
a. Sexual Violence against Women
b. Philippines Overseas Employment Agency policies/
Overseas Workers Welfare Assistance.

5. Challenges Community Organization Victims/workers
Restrained mobility and decision making of the victim is under duress
High anxiety level and fear of retribution and deportation
Limited or no access to the community or the outside world
No knowledge of their rights
No access to their travel documents or identification
Isolation and absence of support system
Language barrier
Burden of Proof is on the victim
Fear of being blame and judge
Community Organization
Limited human and financial resources
Limited support from other organization
Limited legal pro-bono representation
Time constraint
Difficulty to navigate within the system
Limited understanding on the definition of Human
Trafficking within advocates and service provider
Denial of services from service providers due to the
victim’s immigration status and incomplete material
evidence and
Long processing delays for claims

6. Successes Gained trust and confidence towards advocates
Despite of the presence of their high anxiety level, they were able to provide testimonial declaration and some material evidences
Regularized status after years
Social benefits and services were provided
Labour commission accepted claims after an appeal of reconsideration was filed
Gained self confidence and empowerment
They were able to stabilize their life and integrate to the work force in particular and to the society in general