Document Type
Book Chapter
RIS ID
10369
Citation
Lyons, Lenore T., 2004, Organizing for Domestic Workers Rights in Singapore: The Limits of Transnationalism, in L. Ricciutelli, A. Miles & M. McFadden (eds.), Feminist Politics Activism & Vision: Local and Global Challenges, York University, Toronto, Canada: Inanna Publications & Education, 149-166.
http://ro.uow.edu.au/era/110
Abstract
This article examines the limits of transnational feminist activism through a case study of domestic worker rights in Singapore. This work builds on my decade-long research on the feminist movement in Singapore and my activist involvement in the Singaporean women's organization, the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE). I argue that the Singaporean state inhibits attempts by local feminist organizations to engage transnationally whether through links with international NGOs, or by confronting the forces of globalization locally. Singaporean activists have creatively responded to these challenges, but their actions remain constrained by the imperatives of the nation-state.