PINAY Quebec (Filipino Women's Organization in Québec)

Are you passionate about championing the rights of migrants and ensuring their voices are heard? Join us for an empowering workshop on “How to Become a Migrant Advocate,” where we’ll explore the essential skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to effectively advocate for migrant communities. WHERE: IGSF Building, 2nd Floor, Seminar Room. 3487 Rue Peel. WHEN: March 18, 2024 from 6pm - 8pm Hosted by Level Justice and PINAY Quebec (Filipino Women's Organization in Québec), this interactive workshop is designed for individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of migrants. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, this workshop offers valuable insights and practical tools to help you become a more effective advocate. During the workshop, participants will: 🔑 Gain a comprehensive understanding of key issues impacting migrant communities, including immigration policies, labor rights, and more. 📣 Learn essential advocacy skills, such as effective communication, community organizing, policy analysis, and coalition building. Explore real-life case studies and success stories of migrant advocacy efforts, inspiring participants to take action in their own communities. Engage in interactive discussions aimed at deepening understanding and fostering collaboration among participants. Whether you’re seeking to expand your advocacy toolkit or looking to make a meaningful impact in your community, this workshop is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a growing movement of migrant advocates dedicated to building a more just and inclusive society for all. Register now and be a part of the change! https://lnkd.in/dJfK5EU7 #mtl #montreal #workshop

This week we met with McGill students at McGill University – Faculty of Law's Clinical Legal Education Fair and a class talk with Professor Ina Filkobski. We asked the students and faculty to write Valentines wishes for migrant workers and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Here are some of the messages they shared! 💘💝💌 #valentinesday #valentinesday2024 #migrantworkers #migrantrights

Merry Christmas, Maligayang Pasko! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! We are incredibly grateful for the community, alliances, and support we received this year. It made all the difference in the lives of Filipino migrant workers and broader Filipino community. PINAY Quebec wishes you a peaceful holiday season. See you in 2024! P.S. Don't forget we still have another seminar in January, more information to come!

Today is #GivingTuesday! We at PINAY Quebec invite you to help support our work. Donate here: https://lnkd.in/ercAhN35 Imagine leaving your home and safety net to only be insulted, neglected and abused in your “new home”. Unfortunately, this isn’t just imagination for thousands of Filipino migrant workers in Quebec. Migrant workers often face challenges within a system that fails to protect them – resulting in exploitation and a lack of justice. Imagine the difficult circumstances endured by these migrant workers, who suffer from unfair labor practices while remaining voiceless due to fear and a lack of knowledge about their rights. Their cries for help are further silenced from the lack of accessible legal support and language barriers. Migrant workers don’t hesitate to tell us their experiences. One recounted, “I used to have a bad employer before. She always called me stupid or crazy. It was very harmful that it affected me emotionally and mentally”. Each story we hear underlines the pressing need for change in a system that often leaves Filipino migrant workers in Quebec vulnerable and unsupported. This is where PINAY Quebec comes into play and where your support becomes crucial. Your donation is not just a financial contribution, but a lifeline that provides legal information, culturally-relevant support, and a sense of community to those who desperately need it. Your generosity goes beyond resolving individual cases; it empowers entire communities of Filipino migrant workers and advocates. It promotes a culture of knowledge, solidarity, and collective action. Donate today and become an agent of change!

🔴 Happening NOW: The International Migrants Alliance Global Online Rally of migrants, refugees, and host peoples against neoliberal exploitation and war! https://lnkd.in/eqF7Tc8S

Since PINAY is a member of the IMA (International Migrants Alliance), we wanted to extend this invitation to you! PINAY & IMA invites you to join the global online rally and echo our calls to oppose neoliberalism and promote the rights of migrants, refugees, and displaced peoples! Join us on November 18, 2023, at 10:00 PM (UTC+08:00) via Zoom. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eFqqwJUQ or scan the QR code on the posters. The event will come with Spanish and Bahasa interpretation, with the Bangla and French interpretation currently being worked out. You are highly encouraged to make your own placards, as there will be a group photo at the end of the webinar. We hope to see you there!

🔴 TONIGHT, watch Enquête LIVE as they air their segment on exploited Filipino migrant workers. These are workers in Quebec who pay fees illegally charged by labour recruiters with false promises of residency. Thank you Chantal Lavigne for conducting this much needed investigation. You can watch the broadcast at 21:00 ET here: https://lnkd.in/e24H5DGT

#ThrowbackThursday to last week where PINAY Quebec had the privilege of hosting Rey Asis from the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM). His insightful sharing on the development of APMM's migrant support and advocacy services truly resonated with us and shed light on our shared mission. Rey further empowered us through an interactive activity to reflect, review, and strategize the future trajectory of PINAY. Our team found it inspiring to learn about the work our groups carry out across different regions staying unified by shared visions and goals. This was a great sharing to remind us that we are all part of a global movement for migrants. #MigrantJustice #Advocacy

On Tuesday, September 26th, 2023, PINAY had the privilege of speaking in Professor Kazue Takamura's class, International Development 498 Gender and Human Rights, at McGill University. We shared our organization's rich history and mission, shedding light on the pressing issues of forced migration in the Philippines and offering insights into the lived experiences of migrant workers in Canada. Our main message to the students was to stress the importance of their role as future leaders and catalysts for change in addressing these social issues. The students expressed their enthusiasm for learning about the underlying factors driving migration in the Philippines as well as the diverse methods through which individuals immigrate to Canada. They displayed a keen interest in understanding the functioning of the Canadian Immigration System and the treatment of migrants within Canada.

Here at PINAY Quebec, we recognize the importance of community collaboration and cooperation. We understand that our work is not isolated but rather intertwined with others in the community towards a common interest and/or goal. Our approach to alliance and partnership building is rooted in this principle. Some highlights these past few weeks: • We got to have a sharing with the team at the Migrants Resource Centre Canada based in Toronto, Ontario. We discussed the ways that we work with migrant communities and how we can engage people to uplift their leadership. • We had an insightful conversation with Dr. Kazue Takamura from the Institute for the Study of International Development at McGill University. Our discussion revolved around the potential collaborations between community nonprofits and academic institutions. Stay tuned for those developments! • We joined the Immigrant Workers Centre at their General Assembly for the Regularization Campaign place last Saturday. This communal gathering offered an avenue for different organizations and community groups to discuss the impact of neoliberal government policies and exploitative work practices impact the most vulnerable workers. We're grateful and inspired by these opportunities. We always welcome new partnerships! If you'd like to get in touch, please email contact@pinayquebec.org.