Break Poverty, Build Hope: Support Migrant School

One-Forty Goes Global: Sharing Stories, Raising Awareness

We often say that engaging with every foreigner who comes to Taiwan is not just about broadening our own worldview—it’s also about making Taiwan a truly welcoming and inclusive society. Extending a hand in friendship is a form of everyday citizen diplomacy, and we hope that whether they are travelers, migrant workers, or other visitors, their experiences here will become cherished memories when they return home.

At One-Forty, we believe that the journey of Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan should have a lasting, positive impact—not only on them but also on their families and communities. We hope that when they look back on their time here, they will remember Taiwan as a beautiful and welcoming place.

This year, we are thrilled to have several opportunities to showcase Taiwan to the world. Beyond our work locally, we will be heading to New York to participate in the NGO CSW (NGO Committee on the Status of Women) parallel forum, where we will engage in meaningful exchanges and learning experiences with representatives from around the globe!

Empowering Migrant Workers, Empowering Women’s Futures
Every year, alongside the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UN CSW) session, the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW) hosts a parallel event, inviting NGOs and civil society organizations from around the world to participate in discussions on pressing global issues. Although Taiwan has yet to become an official UN member, our civil society remains proactive in making Taiwan’s voice heard through various channels. This year, One-Forty will be joining the NGO CSW parallel event for the second time. In addition to learning from international organizations, we look forward to bringing our decade-long efforts in migrant worker empowerment to the global stage.

Nearly 90% of One-Forty’s students are female migrant workers, most of whom work as live-in caregivers. Unlike factory workers, they often have less stable rest days due to the nature of their jobs. Over the past ten years, through our interactions with students, we have heard countless stories of female migrant workers who had to forgo their education and leave home to work abroad due to family circumstances. In resource-limited households, male family members are often given priority for further education, while many women become the ones who leave home for a decade, working tirelessly to fund their brothers' schooling.

But That Doesn’t Mean Women Are Powerless
The economic resources, knowledge, and skills that migrant workers, including One-Forty’s students, gain while working abroad can significantly enhance their social status upon returning home, offering them more choices in life. This is one of the key reasons why One-Forty is committed to migrant worker empowerment. We believe that the experiences gained during their time in Taiwan can serve as valuable assets for the future, enabling true "empowerment" and breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. This month, One-Forty will head to New York to present the stories of migrant workers and the achievements of our organizational efforts at the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW) parallel forum, continuing our commitment to the future of migrant workers, women, and Taiwan!