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SOCIETY | EQUALITY
It Is Cruel To Deny Foreign Domestic Helpers The Right To Basic Human Needs, Namely Sexuality
When are we really going to reach equality?
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I don’t know if it’s the Hong Kong people who don’t have much libido or if they are simply cruel. Most of them put a curfew for their foreign domestic helpers on their one day off per week; they are afraid that their helpers will have boyfriends and get pregnant. This is the same as denying the helpers a good rest and eating well because it’s all part of basic human needs.
Some helpers don’t even have the personal space to do whatever they like to do with themselves. That’s insane and would drive me insane. I went through a few periods of long abstinence in my life, but naturally, because of work stress and other factors. However, I cannot see myself being forced into abstinence — that would be like not living.
During the 10 years of my helper’s employment, I encouraged her to have a boyfriend and told her to stay out on weekends if needed, which she did. I have always wished to see her marry a nice man who would deserve her love.
Being brought up as a devout Catholic, she was not promiscuous, though she loved…