For Irene
Exactly a week ago, Dr. Irene Fernandez died. Since then, countless messages and tributes have poured in from around the world, offering their condolences to Dr. Fernandez’s family and commemorating her achievements. From national organizations in Malaysia, regional groups in Asia and international formations, the messages were filled with how Dr. Fernandez contributed to the […]
Exactly a week ago, Dr. Irene Fernandez died.
Since then, countless messages and tributes have poured in from around the world, offering their condolences to Dr. Fernandez’s family and commemorating her achievements. From national organizations in Malaysia, regional groups in Asia and international formations, the messages were filled with how Dr. Fernandez contributed to the fight for justice, human rights and social changes.
If one is to Google her name, Dr. Fernandez is a giant in the people’s movement.
As for me, I had the chance of hearing Dr. Fernandez speak in various gatherings. From the theme of migration to rural people, Dr. Fernandez eloquently delivered points that hit to the core the fundamental problems that people in the margins face. In her speeches and presentations, one could see that she was not speaking merely from books or journals she had read, but from her very own experiences in interacting with the abused, oppressed and exploited.
She spoke softly but she did carry the proverbial big stick. This one in the form of the empowered movement that she helped to build.
Yesterday, I got the chance to witness this in the tribute that the International Migrants Alliance and its chapter in Hong Kong held for Dr. Fernandez.
Anecdotes and speeches were given by representatives of organizations Dr. Fernandez worked with and some of the speakers were even her personal friends. A moving power point presentation on the life of Dr. Fernandez was also shown as well as cultural presentations celebrating the people’s struggles.
The crowd of more than 100 was a mixed group of migrants and locals, Filipinos and Indonesians, expatriates and Chinese. While there were a few who met Dr. Fernandez in various activities including the IMA’s founding in Hong Kong five years ago, many actually got to know her only because of the tribute.
It did not really matter.
Whether they knew Irene or not, the gratitude for her work and admiration for her commitment and courage were palpable. Whether they met Irene before or not, the sense of affinity and sadness with her passing mixed with joy for her accomplishments, was present. Whether they heard Irene’s talks in the past or not, the inspiration to continue the struggle was evident in the fighting spirit of the crowd.
So yes, Irene died exactly a week ago. But in the movement of migrants and other sectors she helped build and empower, she’ll always be present.
