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 our helper has prepared breakfast. The table is set and the food looks inviting! It’s a great start to the day.

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, and malls chatting, dancing, eating and enjoying their day off. Seeking solace in numbers and finding a sense of belonging in their own community. They attend churches and are a part of other organised groups. Thankfully most of them have a good support system.

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 challenges of the job are more emotional. It must be heartbreaking I am sure, for a mother to stay away from her child, for years together, only visiting once a year perhaps and watching them grow in pictures and videos. To know that a child is sick and yet not be able to kiss the pain away. To see a picture of them succeed and not share an encouraging embrace. Just to hold them in her arms and watch them as they fall asleep. The simple joys of motherhood sacrificed for earning a better future for their kids. I am sure it is a very tough call to make. One that is difficult for me to even comprehend. To work in a foreign land, in an alien home, helping raise kids that are not your own, while your own kids back home long for your love and touch. Cooking endless meals for your employers and their guests so that your family back home has decent food on their plate.

The children are back home from school to a house that is spotless. The table is set again, this time for their afternoon snack, which they devour.

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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Suveera Sharma

Suveera Sharma is a postgraduate in English and a qualified software trainer. She is an avid reader and writer. Being the daughter of an army officer, she spent her childhood in various cantonments all over India. At present, she is settled in Hong Kong. She runs storytelling sessions for little kids and writes in her spare time.

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