Feminization of Migration: A Case of Filipino Women’s Labour Migration

Abstract

This paper aims to explore geographical area and work sector wise gender differentials in women’s labor migration from Philippines to highlight the particular streams of Filipino women’s labor migration to specific geographical areas for joining some particular work sectors during the period from the year 2001 to 2009. The paper is based on the annual records of Filipino labor migrants for the above said period maintained by the Philippines government and taken from data base of the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration. On the basis of data analysis, the paper argues that women increasingly comprise a large number of total labor migrants leaving Philippines during the period studied here. The paper shows difference in the number of men and women leaving country to join different work sectors. It is argued that Filipino women labor migrants are mostly segregated in low paid, less secure and devalued work in service sector as compared to their male counterparts. Further, these women are likely to be highly segregated in domestic work while men are more involved in technical and construction works. The paper also highlights the difference between Filipino women and men labor migration to different geographical areas. It concludes that women are becoming a large part of the migrant labor leaving Philippines to join reproductive labor in international labor market. Thus, Philippines can be called as a suitable case of growing feminization of migration in Asia.