The Southeast and East Asian Women’s Association (SEAWA) held its first annual general assembly last 18 June 2023 in London. The event was attended by women from various parts of Southeast and East Asia, including representatives from Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Hong Kong. The assembly was held to celebrate its registration as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation as well as to discuss women’s issues, explore opportunities for collaboration, and elect the association’s board members.
With the AGM’s theme: Women Emancipation in the Context of Southeast and East Asian migration, panelists from Malaysia, Philippines, and Hong Kong gave their insight and personal experience as a migrant and as a woman and how taking part in women’s emancipation movement impacts their lives.
SEEAWA was very honoured to have support with a speech from Merlene Toh Emerson, a former solicitor and co-founder of Chinese Liberal Democrats, and a solidarity message Myla Arceno, the first Filipino Mayor in the UK.
Joyce Mak and R Sin from ESEA Sisters talked about their life experiences, particularly in identifying when and how they feel emancipated as a woman. They also shared how important it is to be part of an organisation, in their case, being part of ESEA Sisters, especially how the formation of the organisation helped with the mental health and feeling of the community during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Yvette Mercado, a trustee of SEEAWA and a member of the support group for Filipino mothers in the UK, Mumshie braved the sharing of her personal experience as a single mother in the UK raising her child all by herself. She also shared the challenges she faces being an immigrant without any family support and not being able to provide for her child and her family back home. Yvette is one of the community leaders who selflessly shares her time and knowledge with the community to encourage more women.
One of the panellists is from the Malaysian Community and a former chair of a charity for women with disabilities, Jane Chelliah. Jane defined emancipation for the participants, mentioning that women’s emancipation is deep and magnanimous. She talked about how even in contemporary times, women’s emancipation is a continuous struggle, especially behind closed doors. Jane emphasises that women’s emancipation starts within.
All the way from Scotland, we had Kimi Jolly who discussed the importance of women’s emancipation in contemporary contexts and its importance to the new younger generation. Kimi has broad experience in working with migrant women, especially from Asian backgrounds in Scotland. According to Kimi, this experience showed her that women’s emancipation is defined and practised differently in each generation. She encouraged everyone, especially those with fewer risks to face to continue advocating for women’s rights and emancipation for those more vulnerable and marginalised. Kimi encouraged everyone to keep on advocating.
The last speaker attended online. Iris Inoceto, a political asylum in Paris, France. She is a former chairperson of Bahaghari Iloilo, an LGBTQI+ national democratic organisation based in the Philippines. She was tagged as a terrorist and a communist by the Philippine government causing her to flee. Iris talked about the importance of a comprehensive and inclusive mass movement for women covering the issues of women, children, and those identified as women. Using powerful visual presentations, Iris pointed out the success of the women’s movement and the challenges women activists face under the feudal patriarchal society.
During the assembly, participants engaged in lively discussions and gave their opinion on topics such as women’s rights, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment. The attendees also shared their experiences and concerns about issues facing women in their respective countries and regions.
In addition, the assembly allowed for networking opportunities and the formation of partnerships to work towards shared goals of promoting gender equality and empowering women.
Proudly showcasing their talent and storytelling through songs are Shika from Malaysia and Itchie and Clair, members of Anakbayan UK and Gabriela UK respectively.
The success of this year’s assembly lays the foundation for future events and a continuous effort towards empowering women in Southeast and East Asia. There will be organised events on women’s emancipation as well as the faces of oppression and exploitation of women. These activities aim to bring a deeper understanding of the issues affecting Southeast and East Asian women in the UK and form a solidarity amongst the group that will eventually give birth to safe accommodation for the victims of abuse and trafficking.
For more information contact us at info@seeawa.org.uk