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HELPmatters

16 June marked International Domestic Workers’ Day which celebrates the contributions made by migrant domestic workers. This year’s celebration marks the 10th anniversary of the ILO Convention no.189 that urges states to promote decent work and the human rights of domestic workers.
On this International Domestic Workers Day, HELP did its part to shine a light on the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of migrant domestic workers both on international and national platforms. Additionally, HELP successfully held its first annual Stakeholder Meeting on 15 June 2021 and launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for emergency shelter services for domestic workers in crisis. With the generous support of over 80 donors HELP managed to raise over HKD 116,000.

Between April to June 2021

Advised over 390 domestic workers through 1-1 services

Reached over 79,000 domestic workers through online services

Interacted with over 190 domestic workers through outreach services

Provided support to 54 domestic workers through MeHeal

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Live interview on International Domestic Workers' Day

Stories Behind Closed Doors

After working in Hong Kong for over 25 years, Rose, a Filipino national, took up new employment working for a retired doctor. Over the course of eight months, Rose’s employer proceeded to sexually assault her on multiple occasions. Understandably, Rose was frozen by fear and confusion. She sought guidance from HELP, where she received counselling and advice about how best to proceed. HELP also assisted Rose to access legal representation.
After a court battle lasting over 2 years, the employer was found guilty and sentenced to 30 months in prison.

At the sentencing hearing, the magistrate directly addressed the employer saying, “You abused your power as an employer because if [Rose] did not follow your instructions, she would face punishment.”
Rose's case is a clear example of the difficult situations and choices faced by domestic workers when they are subjected to abuse and exploitation. Rose has consequently filed a judicial review challenge citing issues related to the failure of identifying her as a victim of human trafficking. Rose hopes her persistent courage will ensure no other domestic worker will suffer her story.

Case coverage in SCMP

Changing Today

The unique set of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly takes a toll on the mental well-being of domestic workers. Apart from the fear of being infected with COVID-19, they also constantly worry about their employment situation, home confinement, and the health of their families in their countries of origin where the pandemic spreads rapidly.
To provide much-needed support to the domestic worker community, HELP has piloted MeHeal (Mental Health Support Programme) with funding support from the American Women’s Association in early 2021.

The programme addresses mental health and well-being on a number of different levels including one-on-one support and physical well-being and also seeks to bridge the gap between domestic workers and public health services. HELP partnered with Hong Kong-based Counsellor Liz McCaughey and the Monash University Master of Counselling Student Placement to facilitate pro bono one-on-one counselling sessions as a part of the programme.
MeHeal has been well received with great enthusiasm by our community as it provided them with a safe space to nurture their mental well-being during an unstable period of their lives.

MeHeal beneficiary feedback

Building Tomorrow

Our founder James Collins started HELP for Domestic Workers with the support of St.John's Cathedral and fellow lawyers to provide legal advice for migrant domestic workers in 1989. Since then, our community of beneficiaries has expanded beyond domestic workers to employers and students with holistic services including education and peer support programmes.

We are happy to announce that HELP has been granted a charitable status under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance which signifies that HELP is now a recognised charity where donated funds are tax-refundable. This can definitely help us expand our services to more domestic workers in need and raise awareness on the challenges domestic workers face on their way to access justice.

HELP recognises the need of harnessing community leaders within the migrant domestic worker community as they can identify and support other domestic workers in crisis situations. As they are members of the community, they are an invaluable source of insight into community needs and programmes that are needed in response.
As part of this initiative, HELP has partnered with Admin Mocha, a community leader within the domestic worker community, who established her Facebook Page “OFWs in Hong Kong” with more than 244,000 followers.
By conducting educational webinars in Filipino with OFWs in Hong Kong, HELP has been able to expand our reach in the community and provide reliable and timely information.

Admin Mocha & Danilo Reyes (HELP case manager) conducting a live webinar

Intern Spotlight

Interns are an integral part of our community. We value each interns' contribution and aid in their skill development.
Myles Ng is passionate about educating and sensitizing the youth about migrant domestic workers and related issues. He was our Project Assistant (Intern) and helped facilitate our FirstHand Programme by collaborating with schools and conducting training sessions for students. We thank Myles for his hard work, dedication and cheerful energy!

“I chose to intern with HELP because I wanted to make a positive impact on society. My experience has been truly meaningful. I always felt that I was working in service of something bigger than myself, which is extremely rare. I believe the greatest value that I developed is empathy. I've learnt to look at the bigger picture before making any decisions. To create a just and equal society, we all need to become agents of change & help the migrant domestic worker community,” says Myles.

Myles Ng with beneficiaries at an outreach event.

Since 1989 HELP for Domestic Workers has empowered migrant domestic workers to gain access to justice and receive fair and equal treatment through:

1. Advice and assistance

2. Awareness and education

3. Empowerment and peer support.

HELP also provides a space for employers to seek advice on domestic workers’ rights and entitlements. The employers play a crucial role within the household and in the community because their affirmation of the worker’s rights enhances their protection.

Copyright © 2021 HELP for Domestic Workers, All rights reserved.
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info@helpfordomesticworkers.org
HELP for Domestic Workers, 4-8 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong

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HELP for Domestic Workers · Room 606, 299QRC, · 287-299 Queen’s Road Central, · Sheung Wan · Hong Kong