MARY JOY BARCELONA

My name is Mary Joy Espinosa Barcelona, from Manila- Philippines. I work with the Development Action for Women Network (DAWN), a non- government organization empowering women migrant returnees, trafficking victims/survivors and members of their families. Presently, the coordinator of the Alternative Livelihood Program called SIKHAY, in-charge of the center-based project’s operations and hands-on skills training in sewing and hand-loom weaving. I also facilitate seminars/workshops on cooperative, entrepreneurial management and theater. Roughly 150 women and 50 youth have participated in the skills training and seminars/workshops through the years. I am the director of the musicale play of DAWN’s Teatro Akebono for the youth group “The Crane Dog” which is being presented in the various prefectures in Japan annually and the women’s group “Regalo,” (The Gift). The play is being presented in conferences and universities in the Philippines. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my skills and talents. It serves as a therapy for my well-being and connecting myself to the women and youth. We are able to managed and survived our situation from being trafficked victims – to survivors – to advocates. My humble contribution was recognized by the Soroptimist International for Making a Difference for Women and Unsung Women Heroes Awards in 2008 and 2009.