Letters | This Mother’s Day, let’s honour Hong Kong’s domestic workers
- Readers discuss the shared joy of motherhood, the inspiration that drives girls to fulfil their potential, and disappointment in one of Hong Kong’s most iconic tourist landmarks
This Mother’s Day, I wish to celebrate a special mother. She’s none other than our migrant domestic worker, Yeye, who just gave birth to a healthy baby boy two weeks ago here in Hong Kong. With our family’s support, the care our Aunty Yeye received during her pregnancy was thorough, world-class and without prejudice; although a few eyebrows were raised when I jumped around the room when the sonographer said she was having a boy!
It was Yeye’s first pregnancy in Hong Kong and also our first as employers, so we have indeed been on the journey together. We supported Yeye through every stage of her pregnancy, guided her through her next steps and facilitated her antenatal appointments. We attended some appointments with her as an extra layer of support when her husband could not do so.
This was in contrast to her last pregnancy in the Philippines 19 years ago. It did not involve medical support and the birth was at home with the local midwife in a small village. Her family was too poor to afford care and nutritious food.
Respecting Yeye’s physical limitations as the pregnancy progressed, we made the necessary adjustments to her working day. But every day without fail, she fulfilled her work responsibilities. She also arranged the household chores around her appointments, never once letting us down.
My husband Matt and I, being working parents, have heavily relied on Yeye over the years. We have received her incredible support in raising our two children, now 14 and 11 years old. Words can’t express our joy being able to return the gesture. We are grateful to have been able to support her during her pregnancy and now enable Yeye’s newborn son to be with his mother.
Allowing Yeye the space she needs during her maternity leave helps her decide what her future plans will be for her and her family. Yeye has expressed her desire to remain employed by us, and I am truly amazed and heartened by her deep commitment to our family.
Marcella King, healthcare professional, PathFinders
The ball is in our court to inspire girls to dream big
In a high-octane sport where height, size and athleticism give players a definitive competitive edge, it is hard to imagine an athlete of Nicole’s stature (even at about 1.75 metres tall) would be able to hold her own against stronger, faster and bigger opponents, so the fact that she can earn a spot on her school’s team and perhaps return it to glory speaks volumes about her determination, perseverance and diligence.
Recently retired WNBA player Candace Parker, sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu and freshman Caitlin Clark are popularising the WNBA, but female athletes are still generally under-represented in the sports world. If Nicole could find her way into the league, it would undoubtedly be a victory for the WNBA and Hong Kong. Her participation as an Asian athlete will certainly boost racial diversity in sports.
Nicole’s success in turning her basketball dream into reality also serves as an inspirational story for girls born and raised in Hong Kong. All too often, expectations and gender stereotypes stunt their growth or dissuade them from pursuing certain aspirations, such as those related to sports or maths and science. Nicole’s passion for basketball, coupled with her determination to overcome her limited English proficiency, positioned her to be an up-and-coming player in the US college basketball scene.
Obviously, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for high-flying success. But the lesson to take home here is that girls should be empowered to find their passion, and be given the tools and right environment to flourish.
Jason Tang, Tin Shui Wai
A tourism peak? Not if The Peak remains abysmal
How can The Peak, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic locations, have such a tawdry shopping centre? The Peak Tower is about as interesting as a motorway petrol station with tacky shops and overpriced snack foods. In fact, even motorway service stations will have outdoor seating and a food court.
And when the clouds are covering the view, crowds of tourists end up crammed into claustrophobic walkways, wandering around at a loss about what to do.
H.G. Pearson, Lantau
