Filipinas in Singapore, 'mothering from a distance'

When the world opened opportunities for women to pursue a career outside the home, other women were welcomed into their homes to ensure things ran smoothly while they were at work.

Ash Presto examined the lives of Filipinas working in Singapore; her study focused on single mothers and the way they navigate their work overseas and domestic responsibilities in the Philippines. Credit: SBS Filipino

Key Points

• Women from the Philippines became carers of women in the first world.
• Ash Presto says 60% of women are employed in elementary occupation or domestic work
• Overseas work is highly feminised, gender roles dictate opportunities for work.
• Her study focused on single parent Filipinas and how they manage their time for meaningful connections and relationships with their children

A good relationship with the employer is essential to the way Filipinas navigate their time and relationships with their families back in the Philippines

Ash Presto, researcher, PhD Candidate, Australian National University

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