Continuing reports of employer abuse and suicides by Ethiopian women in the Middle East has prompted outrage among Ethiopians worldwide. (Photo: Ethiopian domestic workers attend church services in Beirut, Lebanon. Getty Images)
Tadias Magazine
Events News
Published: Friday, March 2, 2012
New York (TADIAS) – In honor of Women’s History Month, the Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee in New York City is hosting a forum this weekend to highlight the plight of female migrant domestic workers in the Middle East. The issue received widespread news coverage last year when an Ethiopian nanny in Libya, who had suffered abuse and severe burns at the hands of her former employers, was exposed by a CNN reporter. Her story elicited heated reactions from Ethiopians worldwide, putting the spotlight on thousands of others who continue to toil under dangerous conditions in various countries in the region.
“The abuse of domestic workers is a human rights issue, which needs an in-depth understanding, and a strategic solution within and beyond the Ethiopian community,” ESAC said in a press release. “This travesty is still prevalent and we are asking that you join us and our panel of experts to work towards eliminating this issue by advocating, creating awareness and justice for the victims and or their families.”
The organization said it hopes to launch an initiative to build an advocasy task force in New York City. “The task force will include volunteers from various professions in our community. Our primary goal will be to engage respective governmental and non-governmental representatives and other international organizations in NYC to support domestic workers and hold employers accountable,” ESAC stated. “We are seeking volunteers for the task force.”
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If You Go:
March 3, 2012, 7pm – 10pm
828 2nd Avenue
New York City
WWW.ESANYC.ORG
Video from Ethiopian Social Assistance Committee (ESANYC)
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