Alaya Women’s Center
Alaya Women’s Center is not just a space nor a compilation of bitter stories.
Alaya means EAST and at the same time DAWN in Kapampangan, it is where the sun rises for women. It is a symbol of hope.
What We Stand For
Extreme poverty, lack of opportunities and the cycle of abuse force women to engage in sex trade. Systemic and cultural bias, economic exploitation and political oppression are the key factors why commercial sexual exploitation and gender based violence are prevalent.
Our Vision
A world where all forms of gender-based violence no longer exists.
Our Mission
Is to create a safe place for conversation for women who are in the sex trade, a place of healing for those who experienced violence and a place of learning for those who are permanently at risk of commercial sexual exploitation.
HERSTORY
The impact and burden of the global pandemic as for most disasters and calamities are disproportionately greater for women. Beyond the risk of getting infected, they worry about their families, they lost whatever means of livelihood they have. Cases of violence against women both online and offline spiked. Bars and brothels in the red light district in Angeles City in Pampanga closed down driving thousands of women in the sex trade to a more desperate hence exploitative situation.
This is the context when Bersama Sama Project of NAPIESV Philippines started its work with the women of Walking Street in Angeles City, Pampanga.
What started as a research project to assess the impacts of the pandemic on the women who are in the sex trade and to learn more ABOUT them developed into a long-term plan of action WITH them.