Contradictions in UK Migrant Law and Women’s Advocacy: The Case of Trafficked/Undocumented Filipino Women
Supported by funding from the AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award, this research project examines the exent to which ‘tied’ visas—binding migrant workers or spouses to specific employers or partners—can facilitate abuse. Many Filipino women escaping trafficking or domestic violence become undocumented “illegals” that are presented as a problem for UK society. This project aims to test the extent to which this situation contradicts other UK laws that work to stop comparable abuses, such as honour-based abuse and/or domestic abuse
Led by Dr. Pauline Eadie of the University of Nottingham with Dr. Helen McCabe as co-investigator, this project is supported by Research Associate Dr. Liezel Longboan and SEEAWA members Susan Cueva and Amanda Lago.
This project has secured total funding of £94,783 from the AHRC responsive mode: Curiosity Award: Round Four.
Vote for Rights for Southeast and East Asian Women
The Vote for Rights for Southeast and East Asian Women project aims to enhance the political literacy of Londoners from East and Southeast Asian backgrounds, and help strengthen their democratic engagement.
Through social media campaigns and face-to-face discussions, the project equips individuals with the knowledge and tools to uphold their democratic rights. It addresses barriers to participation, such as voter registration, Voter IDs, and proxy or postal voting, ensuring greater access to democratic processes.
This project is supported by Groundwork and the Greater London Authority.
Pathways to Safety
The Pathways to Safety project involves the development of a tailored toolkit, based on the input of women who have actually experienced gender-based violence. Through this project, SEEAWA also participates in the Women in Newham Network, fostering a collaborative space where various charities and organisations share resources and ideas to improve the wellbeing of women in Newham and surrounding boroughs.
This project is supported by the Smallwood Trust.
Housing and Welfare Advice Clinic
Our Housing and Welfare Advice Clinic provides vital housing and welfare support to ESEA women in the UK who are experiencing homelessness, gender violence, domestic violence, or trafficking, offering advice and signposting services in various ESEA languages.
The initiative supports women in resolving housing and welfare issues, navigating economic challenges, and preventing destitution. It aims to increase awareness of their rights, meet basic needs, and foster sustainable, positive change. By helping participants reach their potential, the project not only supports individual women but also strengthens their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and resilience.
This project is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Reclaiming our space
Following the UK far right rioting, SEEAWA held an away day to Brighton Beach with friends, staff, trustees and the women and families we support. We came together to empower each other and reclaim our space.
Coming together, we empowered our group, building stronger networks in the ESEA community.
We shared problems and experiences and taught our group how to address racism and hate crime.
Rise and Lead: Feminist Leadership Training
This project helped participants tap their leadership through a feminist lens by equipping them with skills angled towards equity and inclusion.
Through free two-day workshops, the program covered an introduction to feminism and leadership, intersectionality, burnout and stress management. It also provided participants with practical tools for transformative change, conflict resolution, and implementing feminist principles. Ultimately, the program aims to challenge traditional assumptions about leaders, and enable women to fully own their power.
This project was supported by The London Community Foundation.