The National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the Wage Earners’ Welfare Board (WEWB) Act 2018 was organized by the WARBE Development Foundation, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland. The event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, trade unions, migrant organizations, and returnee women migrants to strengthen gender inclusion in migration governance.
The consultation reviewed the existing Act to identify gender gaps and propose reforms to better safeguard women migrant workers’ rights, safety, and welfare. Participants agreed that the Act currently lacks gender-sensitive mechanisms to address women’s unique vulnerabilities, including unfair recruitment, workplace abuse, and limited reintegration opportunities.
Discussions emphasized the need for explicit protection clauses, greater female representation on the Board, access to psychosocial and legal assistance, financial literacy training, and emergency support desks at airports. Stakeholders also recommended transparent fund management, the inclusion of civil society and trade unions in Board activities, and alignment with key international frameworks such as the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), CEDAW, and the SDGs.
Key recommendations emerging from the consultation included establishing gender-responsive protection services, prioritizing scholarships for children of left-behind, single, or widowed women, enhancing coordination across ministries, and simplifying repatriation procedures for distressed migrants.
The consultation concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to promote a well-governed, inclusive, and accountable migration framework—one that ensures women migrant workers receive equitable safety, recognition, and support under the revised WEWB structure.