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Nisha, our helper, is like thousands of other women, who have left behind their home and families in their countries, to seek a better future for themselves and their loved ones. Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, come from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Nepal amongst others. They step out of their home countries due to snowballing inequality in Southeast Asia, leaving few options for those trying to make ends meet. Suveera thanks them, in her weekly column, exclusively for Different Truths.
I wake up to the bright light pouring in through the small gap left between the curtains. The rays reflecting on the water are performing a kind of dance on the ceiling of my bedroom. The invigorating smell of coffee manages to banish the remnants of sleep. Before long I am sitting on the window sill, cup in hand. It’s a beautiful day in Hong Kong. Bright and cheerful.
Nisha is like thousands of other women, who have left behind their home and families in their countries, to seek a better future for themselves and their loved ones. This is one aspect where we, in Hong Kong are lucky. There are a lot of countries, where finding affordable domestic help is a herculean task in itself. Foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, come from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Nepal amongst others. They step out of their home countries due to snowballing inequality in Southeast Asia, leaving few options for those trying to make ends meet. It makes employment as a domestic helper even in a foreign land almost a lucrative, desirable option for many. In Hong Kong, they play an indispensable role by plugging the gap in the care sector, often responsible for elderly and child care, enabling both parents to join the workforce. They are responsible for the general domestic duties.
Every Sunday it is a familiar sight for all Hong Kongers to see them grouped together on bridges, parks,
Since most of them come from developing countries, their salaries when converted to the currency of the home country mostly amounts to a fair amount, more than they could expect to earn in a similar capacity back home.
The children are back home from school to a house that is spotless. The table is set again, this time for
It is indeed a pleasure to have someone who can help you with your daily chores. To come back to a tidy home after a day out. To know that the children are well looked after, while you were away. To have the time to pursue your passions and hobbies knowing that someone is constantly working in the background to ensure that the house runs smoothly.
So this is just a thank you to all the lovely women who work hard every single day with a smile on their face, doing the same monotonous job day in and day out. This is my chance to say to Nisha, my dear helper, and all the other women who are like her: you are ‘a sprinkling of joy!’
©Suveera Sharma
Photos sourced by the author from the Internet
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