Nang Kham Ying Nonk

My name is Nang Kham Ying Nonk and I am currently working for the International Labor Organization (ILO) as a National Project Coordinator with the Shan State – Peace, Reconciliation and Development project wrapping up this year. Previously, I worked with SWAN’s Women’s Empowerment program and am now an active volunteer.

If women are not protected by labor laws, it will impact them significantly. For example, if a female laborer has a planned, or unplanned pregnancy – there is no guarantee that she will be able to keep her job. This increases the risk of her security and lack of health protection in a working environment.

When women make the decision to go abroad, most of them do so illegally taking on jobs referred to as the ‘3 Ds’ – dirty, difficult and dangerous. It is common for women who seek work in other countries to not have a passport or other forms of legal documentation. These circumstances mean they are less likely to get a job with a higher salary. There is no security for them and as a result, they face an increased risk of rape, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.