Call to run positive story on women migrant workers

The media should cover positive stories on women migrant workers contributing to economy despite the fact that they go through a lot of odds at their workplaces overseas, according to experts.

They said women have to go abroad, and it cannot be stopped, but it is time to build awareness among them, particularly about their basic rights in their workplaces.

Migration and Economic experts came up with their opinion at a webinar titled “Media representation of women migrant workers: A critical assessment” jointly organised by Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF), Research Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) and Drishti Research Centre (DRC) held on Saturday.

Ahmed Munirus Saleheen, secretary, Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Economist Nazneen Ahmed, among others, were present at the programme.

“We see some negative stories on the media based on NGO reports which are painful. We want that more women go abroad and work there with dignity and rights,” said Saleheen.

“The brokers should be brought to book as to why the migrant workers face torture at their workplaces.”

The secretary said women migrants are contributing to economy and so journalists should come up with positive stories.

Economist Nazneen Ahmed presented her keynote speech at the virtual meeting.

She said 60 per cent media reports were negative that were presented from February 2015 to January 2022.

“Our media outlets show the Saudi Arabia returnee victims’ names and addresses which disappoint them because they face an abuse twice in our society for negative reports,” observed the economist.