Overview
To date, most migration management and labour policies neglect to reflect the potential impact of migration on children. Discussions typically focus on the economic benefits of migration, but often overlook any potential and detrimental impact on a child’s protection, health and development – whether left behind or born in the country of destination.
There are approximately 340,000 Migrant Domestic Workers (MDW) in Hong Kong and the government anticipates needing 600,000 MDWs by 2047 to help care for a rapidly ageing population. This is considered the most economical option for lower and middle income families to participate in the labour force while having their childcare, eldercare and household maintenance needs met.
While migration is, and will continue to be an important engine of economic growth for families, it is crucial governments and other stakeholders put in place safeguarding mechanisms to prevent any negative social impacts of migration on children before mass migration of women is encouraged as caregivers for ageing populations.
In partnership with Dr Lucy Jordan at the University of Hong Kong, PathFinders is launching a new report – Children at the Heart of Migration – that sets out the need to more clearly understand and establish the link between child-well being, labour and migration policies to respect and protect all children. Through the publication of this report we hope to initiate a dialogue to further explore strategies and opportunities for collaboration among NGOs, government departments and other stakeholders – across both sending and destination countries – that are aware, engaged, and willing to work together to ensure all children affected by migration are protected and respected.
Meet Our Panel
Dr Lucy Jordan
Dr. Lucy Jordan is currently Associate Professor in Social Work and Social Administration and Director of the MSS-Nonprofit Management at University of Hong Kong. She has over 20 years of experience working with and leading large collaborative applied research studies with vulnerable populations and community organizations in developing countries including Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, Nepal, China, and low income areas of Hong Kong and the U.S.A.
Over the past five years Lucy has led consultancies for International Organization of Migration (IOM), Terres d’Hommes, Freedom Fund, Geneva Global and Centre for Asian Philanthropy, as well as collaborating on numerous other consultancies for Hong Kong government and globally for organizations including UNICEF.
Xyza Cruz Bacani
Xyza Cruz Bacani is a Filipina author and photographer who uses her work to raise awareness about under-reported stories. Having worked as a second-generation domestic worker in Hong Kong for almost a decade, she is particularly interested in the intersection of labor migration and human rights.
Xyza was one of the Magnum Foundation Photography and Social Justice Fellows in 2015, has exhibited worldwide and won awards in photography. She is also the recipient of a resolution passed by the Philippines House of Representatives in her honor, HR No.1969.
Xyza is awarded The Outstanding Women of the Nation’s Service in the field of Humanities, one of the Asia 21 Young Leaders (Class of 2018), the WMA Commission grantee in 2017, a Pulitzer Center and an Open Society Moving Walls 2017 grantee. She is one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the World 2015, 30 Under 30 Women Photographers 2016, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2016, Fujifilm ambassador and author of the book We Are Like Air.
Catherine Gurtin
Catherine Gurtin has worked on child rights and protection across Asia for more than a decade and is passionate about connecting and bringing people together in pursuit of solutions and common goals.
Catherine joined PathFinders as CEO in February 2019, following 7 years with Save the Children where she served in various strategic and operational roles. Initially for Save the Children International’s Asian Regional Office in Singapore, before being appointed COO for Save the Children Hong Kong. Prior to joining Save the Children, Catherine worked for over ten years in communications and public affairs, latterly as an Associate Director in the International Public Affairs team at Pfizer.
Catherine earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Surrey, England. She has lived in Asia for nearly 15 years and has a 9 year old son and 8 year old daughter. Catherine is only able to work in Hong Kong thanks to the incredible support of her Migrant Domestic Worker, Aunty Xyxy – also a working mom in Hong Kong.
When & Where
May 11, Thursday, 2023
4:30pm – 8:00pm
Registration starts at 3:30pm
Reception is from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
25/F, Cheung Kong Center,
No.2 Queen’s Road, Central
Hong Kong