The Pioneering Work of the Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women
In the Philippines and internationally, the Third World Movement Against the Exploitation of Women (TW-MAE-W) has distinguished itself in addressing the problem of sexual exploitation.
- In the country, it was the first to take up the issue of sex tourism nationally and internationally. It spearheaded the protest against the Japanese sex tours on Human Rights Day, December 10, 1980, its foundation date.
- It initiated synchronized demonstrations in the ASEAN capitals in January 1981. This gained momentum and elicited support in other continents.
- TW-MAE-W was also the first to draw worldwide attention to military prostitution as early as February 1981.
- It launched a campaign against Military Prostitution (CAMP International) in Nairobi at the NGO Forum’85.
- TW-MAE-W pioneered a comprehensive research with the biggest size of respondents, 614 prostitutes from Metro Manila, Subic, Angeles, Cebu, Batangas, plus 100 more from Poro Point.
- Drawing from the research findings and the TW-MAE-W experience, the coordinator facilitated the formulation of a scheme for the prevention of prostitution and for the rehabilitation of prostitutes in the UN ESCAP workshop in Bangkok in 1985.
- In recognition for its contribution, TW-MAE-W was granted consultative status in the UN Economic and Social Council in 1985.
- Among NGOs and GOs, TW-MAE-W is the only organization that has consistently served sexually exploited women on a full time basis, Monday to Sunday since 1987.
- Its clients include migrant workers, particularly those who suffered abuse and are victims of trafficking.
- TW-MAE-W pioneered in ministering to those involved in ship prostitution (“akyat barko”), a social cost of the development of a bay area into an international port.
- It has concretized its program in three phases: 1) the chain of Belen Drop-in Centers; 2) Nazareth Growth Home; 3) Bethany Transition Home.
- The holistic Alternative Lifestyle and Livelihood Program covers all aspects of human and Christian development.
- Women and girls are empowered even while in prostitution and are enabled to choose better options.
- Nazareth Growth Home (NGH) attends to the needs of women and their dependents and facilitates employment after training.
- Bethany Transition Home gives housing and after care for NGH graduates, especially for those affected with HIV/AIDS, another pioneering work.
- It is estimated that more than 126,000 sexually exploited women and girls have been beneficiaries of TW-MAE-W direct services.