The women forced to scam and the families left behind

EDITOR’S NOTE:  This story is part of As Equals, CNN’s ongoing series on gender inequality. For information about how the series is funded and more, check out our FAQs.

All the names of women have been changed at their request to protect their identity.

Manila, Philippines
 — 

An hour north of the city, where urban sprawl gives way to hills, a boy in a Batman shirt waits by the front of his family’s small convenience store.

Eagerly, he accompanies us past the candy, snacks and lottery tickets, to the simple living space at the rear.

He tells us his name, that he is three years old, and he misses his mom.

The…