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Navigating the social media maze: A collaborative journey through women's struggles
The negative episodes of migrant workers misled by deceptive causes underscore the importance of digital literacy and awareness.
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Seeking justice: Indonesian domestic worker Kartika Puspitasari (left) walks on Oct. 7, 2022, near Bethune House, a shelter operated by the migrant worker advocacy group the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW), in Hong Kong. Kartika went to court on Oct. 6 to seek compensation from her employers over treatment that left her physically scarred and mentally traumatized. (AFP/Isaac Lawrence)
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s a former migrant worker in Hong Kong turned award-winning filmmaker in Indonesia, my reflective journey extends beyond personal experiences to collaborative efforts integral to reshaping women's narratives, especially those engaged in menial jobs. Social media, a double-edged sword, has found its true potential in a collective endeavor.
In the labyrinth of virtual connections, negative aspects of social media emerge as a haunting specter. Instances of migrant workers in Hong Kong falling victim to harmful influences, where the very tool designed to connect became a conduit for deception, echo in my memory. Some, like Ika Puspitasari and Listyowati, whom I interviewed for my upcoming documentary film, Pilihan (Choices) donated their hard-earned money to dubious groups under the guise of supporting noble causes, only to discover their benevolence was misplaced.
In this regard, social media, in the wrong hands, can be perilous ground, preying on the vulnerability of migrant workers and exploiting their desire to contribute positively to society.
However, the reflective lens pivots to acknowledge the positive facets of social media, recognizing its transformative potential when wielded by creative migrant workers in Singapore, like Masitoh from Malang, East Java. Engaging with her, taught me that in the hands of those with a vision for a better future, social media becomes a powerful ally. She has been using social media wisely, including upgrading her formal education from middle school to high school and now finishing her diploma in hospitality management in Singapore.
Driven by the desire to harness the skills of migrant workers, my team and I started an online platform called RUMI, short for Ruang Migran (Migrants’ Room). This initiative is a conduit for migrant workers to share their stories, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. Platforms like RUMI serve not only as a means of sharing stories but also as a catalyst for change, enabling migrant workers to reshape their narratives and challenge the status quo.
Creative expressions find a digital stage, amplifying voices that might otherwise remain unheard. The ability to showcase talent, share experiences and connect with like-minded individuals enhances the prospect of a brighter future.
The negative episodes of migrant workers misled by deceptive causes underscore the importance of digital literacy and awareness. Reflecting on these incidents serves as a call to action, urging the creation of safeguards and educational initiatives to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to online pitfalls.
