Historical Background of the Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women (TW-MAE-W)
The Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women (TW-MAE-W) started on Human Rights Day, 10 December 1980. In 1981, in response to the “sexploitation” of women, the TW-MAE-W initiated synchronized demonstrations in the Southeast Asian capitals which gained momentum and elicited support and commitment from all continents.
It is directed towards the liberation of women from all kinds of oppression and exploitation based on sex, race or class.
The TW-MAE-W has since addressed a host of other issues in its belief that every issue is a woman’s issue. From a small core of members in Southeast Asia, it has grown to an extensive network of concerned women from all continents.
TW-MAE-W is a non-government, feminist organization responding to general and particular cases of exploitation of girls and women by bringing to light women issues and their corresponding calls to action. In the Philippines, it is engaged in direct services for survivors of incest, rape and the sex trade.
The organization concretized its program in three phases:
Phase I: Chain of “Belen” drop-in centers
“Belen” is derived from the Biblical Bethlehem where marginalized shepherds were given importance at the birth of Christ. At the drop-in centers, recruitment, skills training and mobilization are intensified. Women in the trade are befriended and dealt with by trained staff and fieldworkers to avail of programs and services at the center. The fieldworkers are generally former prostitutes who opted out of the trade and underwent healing and renewal. They are now agents of change and peer educators of the women in the sex trade. They adopt appropriate approaches and strategies in working with the clientele.
- “Belen sa Pasay”, Pasay City
- “Belen sa Quezon City”, Cubao, Quezon City
- “Belen sa Batangas”, Cuta, Batangas City
- “Belen sa Angeles”, Balibago, Angeles City
- “Belen sa Subic”, Subic, Zambales
- “Belen sa Cebu”, Cebu City
- “Belen sa GenSan”, General Santos City
Phase II: Growth Home
Nazareth, where Jesus grew in age, grace and wisdom, is the name of the growth home. The word “growth home” implies bringing back the intrinsic worth and dignity of women survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse. “Home” connotes a family atmosphere rather than an institutional context.
- Nazareth Growth Home, Quezon City
- Nazareth Growth Home, Cebu City
- Nazareth Growth Home, General Santos City
Phase III: Transition Home
Bethany was chosen as the name of the transition home because the gospel on that Sunday of its conception was about Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Our Marys and Marthas are the renewed group of women who are testing out their new lifestyle and new forms of livelihood. As for Lazarus, there is a special room for those with HIV/AIDS.
- Bethany Transition Home, Marikina City
- Bethany Transition Home, Lipa City