An EU-funded training program for female migrant workers launched in Beijing on Thursday, aiming to expand their knowledge, enhance their law awareness, improve their ability to live in the city, and solve the problems they may encounter.

Over 120 female migrant workers in Beijing coming from provinces like Sichuan and Gansu became the first group of beneficiaries. By using easy language and interactive technology in teaching, and by launching various activities like seminars and screening movies, the three-day training course is expected to provide more opportunities for them to communicate with one another and to know more about the city.

The training will focus on six main areas that are highly related to the work and life of female migrant workers. The course of "city life" will teach them a common knowledge of living in the city, including how to rent a room, how to be safe, how to take public transportation, and how to use public facilities, in order to allow them to adapt to the city life in a short time. Because most of the trainees are not well educated, they know nothing about law. The training course will therefore teach them how to use the law to protect their own legal rights. In addition, segments on how to find and apply for a job, and how to manage their money are also included in the content of the training. Additionally, the course will help improve their gender awareness and provide them with information about healthcare.

The training course is only one part of the larger program on female migrant workers funded by the EU committee and implemented by the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE) and China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO).

Launched in March 2006, the three-year program started from in-depth analysis and research on the working and living situation of female migrant workers. Other related trainings for NGOs on management and financing, and for enterprises on their social awareness and responsibilities, are also available.

In addition, a hotline (010-84039776, service in Chinese language only) has been set up, providing services including consultancy, career information, and legal aid for female migrant workers.

(China Development Gateway by Xu Lin July 6, 2007)