Including Migrant Women in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence in the World of Work
In a world where gender-based harassment and violence persist in the workplace, the fight for justice remains. This battle took center stage as Justice for Migrant Women, led by Mónica Ramírez, spearheaded a groundbreaking convening at the United Nations Headquarters on April 25th. Coincidentally, this significant event unfolded against the backdrop of the New York Court of Appeals' decision to overturn Harvey Weinstein’s conviction in New York, underscoring the urgent need to continue to fight against sexual violence and harassment.
Since its inception, Justice for Migrant Women has been a leading force in advocating and centering the needs of migrant women. The organization played a pivotal role in the creation of Convention 190, the first international treaty aimed at addressing these pressing issues. Despite its importance, however, the United States has yet to ratify this critical convention, highlighting a glaring gap in global efforts to address workplace safety.
Amidst the summit, anti-sexual violence leaders, including Tarana Burke, Ashley Judd, Mónica Ramírez, and Fatima Goss Graves, gathered to discuss the implications of Weinstein's overturned conviction. Tarana Burke, the founder of the MeToo movement, emphasized the importance of survivor solidarity and resilience in the face of legal setbacks. "We also need to understand that the legal system has never served survivors in this country. Carceral solutions won't save us and we need to understand that rape and sexual assault have the lowest arrest and conviction rates for a reason," Burke shared. "So we are clear that moments like this underscore why movements are necessary, and we have a movement; this is why the work has to keep happening."
Despite strides made in advancing gender equality, workplace harassment, and violence remain pervasive, particularly for marginalized communities such as migrant women. Reflecting on the summit, Mónica Ramírez emphasized the significance of collective action in effecting change, stating, "Convention 190 offers us a framework and an opportunity to guarantee a safe and equitable world of work for everyone."
The summit served as a rallying cry for continued advocacy and activism. It reminded us that we must acknowledge that the fight against a larger culture of sexual violence and harassment against women and girls, particularly migrant women workers, extends beyond traditional workplaces. Migrant women, in particular, are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, often facing unique challenges due to their immigration status and often precarious employment conditions. Monica Ramirez focuses on "a world of work" to encompass all the places where sexual violence can occur outside of the traditional office, including settings where migrant women may find themselves at risk. The recent overturning of Harvey Weinstein's conviction serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual violence and harassment, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues comprehensively and ensuring that migrant women are included in our advocacy efforts.
