Globalization from below: Feminization of migration, resistance and empowerment - A case study

Based on archival records, published and unpublished materials, and using a participatory research method, this paper explores how the Philippine Women Centre (PWC) in Vancouver (British Columbia), has shown its continuous resistance to the forces of neo-colonialism, imperialism and globalization. The PWC's activities have ranged from sponsoring and funding several programs to empower Filipino women in Vancouver, to promoting the rights of domestic workers in Canada and to building strategies of resistance against not only Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) but also trafficking in Filipino women. Briefly, this paper looks at the socio-economic-political forces that led to the establishment of the PWC; examines the Pwc's strategies for advancing of Filipino women workers' rights around the world, and highlights how the PWC has forged international alliances to fight global forces.