We are proud of our leader Mary Ann Abunda, who received the Human Rights Defender Award from the U.S. Department of State, recognizing her outstanding work in defending the human and labor rights of migrant domestic workers in the MENA region. Her unwavering commitment and struggle are an inspiration to our movement!
On December 10, Human Rights Day, the U.S. Department of State announced the winners of the Human Rights Defender Award, honoring eight individuals who have demonstrated leadership and courage in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms around the world. Among them was Mary Ann Abunda, founder and President of the Sandigan Kuwait Domestic Workers Association (SKDWA) and a member of the IDWF Executive Committee representing the MENA region.
“Each award recipient is a testament to the bravery and tenacity of human rights defenders throughout the world, who often do this work at great personal risk. Defending human rights, affirming human dignity, simply put, reflects our values, reflects who we are,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
During the award ceremony, Blinken shed light on the inspiring story and critical work of Mary Ann. She was presented as “a survivor of human trafficking who has demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience, and made remarkable efforts to combat exploitation and abuse of domestic workers in Kuwait.”
As a victim of migrant worker abuse and exploitation herself, Mary Ann has led grassroots advocacy campaigns and helped to establish networks and resources for migrant workers, including access to legal aid, counseling, and shelter. Through work with government and civil society stakeholders, she played a key role in the passage of the 2015 Domestic Workers’ Law and the development of best practices and networks for migrant workers globally.
“Survivors can become advocates. Mary Ann Abunda left her home in the Philippines for the promise of a good-paying job in Kuwait. Instead, when she arrived, she was forced to work in domestic labor, where she endured exploitation and abuse. Determined to prevent others from experiencing what she experienced, she teamed up with fellow workers to create an organization called ‘Sandigan,’ which means ‘something to lean on’ in her native Tagalog. The organization advocates for the rights of domestic workers and other migrant laborers in Kuwait, playing a critical role in passing legislation to improve their rights and protections.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken
