16 July 2024
Equidem Staff Spotlight: Martha Waithira, Equidem Investigator and Survivor of Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence
“I escaped due to sexual harassment and threats of physical violence, nonpayment of wages, movement restrictions and being over worked for long hours,” Martha Waithira, a Kenyan national, explains of her time as a housemaid in Qatar for four years between 2019 and 2023. By the end of her time, she was facing sexual slavery or deportation. Before fleeing Qatar in a taxi at 4 in the morning, Martha reported the sexual harassment and unpaid wages to the country’s Labour Ministry.
After months of processing, the department ruled that she should be deported for her complaints. Her employer further threatened her saying he would block her from returning. Qatar brokers no dissent. Martha bravely appealed the decision and was instead charged $500. She paid the fee but was then forced to change her sponsorship. Her application was rejected three times. She was arrested on the way to the labour office where she planned to enquire about the paperwork. For two days, Martha was locked in a cell without charges.
“That night I cried until all my tears dried up. I did not sleep the whole night, but I was hopeful I would be set free.”
Martha went to the Kenyan Embassy where she was told her employer had reported her as a runaway. The Embassy did nothing to assist her. Eventually, she was sent back to Kenya.
Now an investigator with Equidem since July last year, Martha says that there are important policy priorities that officials law makers and officials should focus on, both in the migrant worker’s countries of origin and the countries of destination. From the country of origin, governments should emphasize worker protection abroad. Workers, meanwhile, should learn that the relationship with a recruiter ends at the airport gate, and be made aware of the risks they are assuming.
“I was brave to fight for my rights. There are many migrant workers suffering in the hands of their employers because they are scared of the outcome or even being deported, considering they come from poor backgrounds.”
At the country of destination, national embassies should be ready to support workers. “If you try to get help from the police themselves, they normally tell you to choose whether to reconcile with your employer or go back to your country,” she explained. Martha was motivated to join Equidem because of “a lack of exposure and knowledge.” The public needs to know more about the gross violations migrant workers experience – especially as climate change pushes more people from home to work abroad. Additionally, migrant workers need to be empowered to give voice to their experiences and needs and made more knowledgeable about their rights so they can organize and advocate for themselves. Martha thinks that setting up rescue centres could contribute to addressing these gaps.