Photo

PhotoVoice: An Expensive Freedom

“Many migrant workers do not get freedom, including freedom to communicate, hold their own passports, time for holidays, etc. They only gain freedom after their employment contract expired. Like a bird in a cage, it wants to live freely outside. “

Photographer:

Sofiani (23 years old), or Opi, was a migrant worker daughter who has repeatedly worked abroad. Since she was born, Opi used to accompanied by her father only one month in a year. Currently, Opi became a honorary lecturer in primary school and actively involved in the migrant workers empowerment in Gerunung village, Praya Sub-district, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.

About PhotoVoice: Voices of Women through Photographs

This is  one of 48 photos taken by 21 former women migrant workers, their family members and supporters, who live in six villages in Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara/NTB) and Lembata (East Nusa Tenggara/NTT).  The story of the photo and the photographer profile is available in the image displayed.

Through photos, they voice their concerns, needs and achievements.  They also use these photos to record changes in their lives and the lives of people around them and to communicate the challenges faced in their daily lives.

Their photos were exhibited in two national events: the National Conference of Women of Women Inspiring Change (May 2015, in Jakarta) and the National Jamboree of Migrant Workers (November 2015, in Jember, East Java). A story about them is written by a journalist from Kompas, Meidiana, and published in Kompas printed newspaper on Sunday, December 13, 2015. The trainings were done by a consultant from London, UK, named PhotoVoice.