| Abstract This book is the first comprehensive attempt
to document the experiences of the Visayan Forum Foundation, an ILO-IPEC partner
in addressing the much-neglected and invisible plight of child domestic workers
in the Philippines. The first two parts examine the phenomenon of employing
children in domestic work. They detail the profile of these children vis-a-vis
the cultural context and existing legal framework. They also capture an up close
re-examination of the roles and expectations child domestic workers exchange with
employers, their ambiguous role as family members, and their social construct
as the dutiful children. The third part adds value in the present attempts
to develop replicable strategies for child domestic work intervention. The authors
reflect on the development of VF's living approaches in the areas of direct services,
education, organizing, training for resiliency, social advocacy, lobby work, and
prevention. In particular, they deepen on the lessons learned in the holistic
approach in prevention, protection, withdrawal and reintegration as part of direct
work. They also highlight unconventional strategies in reaching out to scattered
child domestic workers. There are also particularities in building the capacity
of the domestic workers' sector. Finally, the authors significantly explore lessons
learned in influencing significant influencers (especially employers, church groups,
media, and child domestic workers themselves) enhanced by a solid legislative
proposal called Batas Kasambahay. The last part connects the issue of child
domestic work to justice, trafficking, child labor, education, gender, research,
and development. It is also rich in recommendations to specific groups and institutions.
For more details, and to order a copy of the book, contact: The Advocacy Officer
Visayan Forum Foundation, Inc.
2873 Lamayan Street
Sta. Ana, 1009
Manila
E-mail: [email protected]
Tels: (+632) 5627810, 5627821
Fax: (+632) 5634514 Back
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