2025 International Women’s Day: Honouring Migrant Domestic Workers

(Updated January 15, 2025)

International Women’s Day 2025, set to be observed on March 8th, is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Additionally, it serves as a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. The theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”, This year’s theme calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation—youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls—as catalysts for lasting change.

International Women’s Day is an occasion that brings to light various issues related to gender equality and women’s rights across the globe. In Hong Kong, foreign migrant domestic workers, who are predominantly women, form a significant part of the discussion around this day. These workers come from various countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and others, seeking employment opportunities in Hong Kong households.

Invisible No More

The observance of International Women’s Day in contexts like Hong Kong often highlights the challenges faced by these migrant domestic workers, such as exploitation, inadequate labor protections, and issues related to their rights and dignity. Advocacy and awareness efforts around this day may focus on:

Labor Rights and Protections: Campaigns and discussions can emphasise the need for better labor rights and protections for foreign domestic workers, including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions.
Social Inclusion: Efforts may be made to promote the social inclusion of these workers, advocating for their access to community support, healthcare, and other social services, and raising awareness about the discrimination and social isolation they often face.
Legal Support and Advocacy: International Women’s Day can be an opportunity to highlight the importance of legal support for migrant domestic workers, including assistance with employment disputes, immigration issues, and access to justice.
Empowerment and Education: Initiatives might focus on empowering these women through education, skills training, and awareness programs to help them better understand their rights and improve their socio-economic conditions.

In Hong Kong, NGOs, women’s rights organisations, and community groups often organise events, workshops, and campaigns around International Women’s Day to address these issues. These activities aim to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and provide direct support to foreign migrant domestic workers, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving gender equality and empowering all women, regardless of their employment or migration status.

Empower Foreign Migrant Domestic Workers

To support foreign migrant domestic workers on International Women’s Day, consider the following actions:

1. Raise Awareness

Social Media Campaigns: Use your platforms to highlight the contributions and challenges of migrant domestic workers. Share stories, articles, and posts that shed light on their conditions.
Public Events: Participate in or organise events aimed at discussing and improving the plight of migrant domestic workers. These can include webinars, workshops, and panel discussions.

2. Advocate for Policy Change

Petition for Rights: Sign and promote petitions that call for better labor rights and protections for migrant domestic workers.
Engage with Legislators: Contact your local and national legislators to advocate for policies that ensure fair treatment, adequate wages, and safe working conditions for migrant domestic workers.

3. Support Through NGOs

Donate: Financial contributions to NGOs that support migrant domestic workers can help fund legal aid, educational programs, and emergency support.
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to NGOs. Volunteering can range from administrative help to directly assisting migrant workers in learning new skills or languages.

4. Direct Assistance

Employment Practices: If you employ a domestic worker, ensure they have fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe conditions. Recognize their rights and contributions, especially on International Women’s Day by giving them a day off, a bonus, or a gift as a token of appreciation.
Community Support: Engage in community efforts to provide a support network for migrant domestic workers, including language classes, legal advice, and social events to help them integrate and feel valued.

5. Educational Empowerment

Sponsor Education: Support initiatives that offer educational opportunities for migrant domestic workers and their children. This could include sponsoring their education or supporting scholarship programs.

6. Emotional and Social Support

Listen and Acknowledge: Sometimes, offering an ear to listen and acknowledging the hard work and challenges faced by migrant domestic workers can be a powerful form of support.
Invite to Community Events: Include them in community gatherings and International Women’s Day events to show solidarity and appreciation for their contributions.

By taking these steps, you contribute to the wellbeing and empowerment of foreign migrant domestic workers, recognising their invaluable role and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Recognise Your Helper’s Contribution

Praising and recognising the contributions of foreign migrant domestic workers on International Women’s Day can be a meaningful gesture that acknowledges their hard work, resilience, and the crucial role they play in many societies. Here are some thoughtful ways to show appreciation and respect:

1. Personal Appreciation

Express Gratitude Verbally: A simple “thank you” can go a long way. Let them know how much you appreciate their dedication and hard work.
Write a Thank-You Note: A handwritten note expressing your gratitude and acknowledging their efforts can be a heartfelt gesture.

2. Public Recognition

Social Media Shoutouts: Use social media platforms to highlight their contributions and share stories of their hard work and resilience, ensuring their privacy and consent are respected.
Community Celebrations: Organise or participate in events within your community that celebrate the contributions of migrant domestic workers. These can include small gatherings, award ceremonies, or public acknowledgements.

3. Gifts and Tokens of Appreciation

Thoughtful Gifts: Offer gifts that they would appreciate and find useful. This could range from items from their home country to vouchers for relaxation or entertainment.
Day Off: Providing an additional day off or a paid holiday can be a significant and appreciated gesture, giving them time to relax or celebrate with friends and family.

4. Empowerment and Support

Professional Development: Support their aspirations beyond domestic work, if they have any, by sponsoring or facilitating access to courses, training, or education.
Financial Support for a Cause They Care About: Donate to a cause or organisation that supports migrant workers’ rights in their name.

5. Advocacy and Awareness

Advocate for Their Rights: Use the occasion to advocate for better working conditions, rights, and recognition of migrant domestic workers.
Educational Campaigns: Participate in or start campaigns aimed at educating others about the challenges faced by migrant domestic workers and how to support them.

6. Inclusive Activities

Cultural Exchange: Engage in cultural exchange activities that allow them to share their culture with you and others, acknowledging and celebrating their heritage.
Community Involvement: Encourage and facilitate their involvement in community activities and events, promoting social inclusion.

7. Continuous Support

Ongoing Recognition: Beyond International Women’s Day, continue to recognise and appreciate their contributions regularly. Consistent respect and appreciation can make a significant difference in their everyday lives.

When praising foreign migrant domestic workers, it’s crucial to do so in a way that respects their dignity and acknowledges their individuality. Personalised gestures that consider their preferences, culture, and needs are especially meaningful.

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