Since 1986, Bethune House has provided shelter services (food and accommodation), emergency relief assistance, legal and medical case support, counselling and psychosocial activities for Asian migrant women, mainly foreign domestic helpers.

In this talk, Ms. Antonio will discuss the work of Bethune House, and why shelters are so crucial to support migrant workers. She will also share on the challenges and joys of working as a leader at Bethune House and serving the migrant community in Hong Kong.

In keeping with the theme of International Women's Day 2026, #GivetoGain the talk will help its participants learn more about the power of reciprocity and support to develop justice and equality for women in their work and lives in Hong Kong.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Edwina Antonio is the Executive Director of the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge. Originally from Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines. She has a B.Sci., in Industrial Pharmacy from University of the Philippines. She arrived in Hong Kong in 1989 and began to serve as the Executive Director of Bethune House that same year. Currently, in addition to her work there, she is an adviser to different migrant organizations in Hong Kong, including serving as the Recording Secretary of the Board of the Mission For Migrant Workers.

This talk supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 5: Gender Equality

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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