Photo credit: When we stand together, facebook group
Media coverages on abuse of domestic workers elevate after the unfortunate news heard about Alem Dechasa who was publicly harassed by a lebanon guy. Recently, the guardian posts an interesting article about Alem’s family after her tragic death.
The lebanon’s daily star newsletter strongly criticizing the Lebanon government and its labour policy. In the latest article, Lebanon’s ways are sponsoring suicide, states
One can only hope that this case has spurred into action the police, as well as the Labor Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the Justice Ministry and General Security. But that remains to be seen.
Beyond Facebook campaigns, Ethiopian netizens are taking actions. A group called “We stand together …” – nearly 5,000 members – organizing a literature evening and fund raising for Alem’s family.
To commemorate the late Alem Dechasa, & to contribute something to help her family (children), a great literature evening & fund raising program is to be held on April 19/2012, starting from 5.30 pm, at Wabe Shebele Hotel Hall. Hence you are invited to attend the program, & contribute accordingly.
I believe this kind of initiatives should also address the issue of Ethiopian domestic workers who are suffering in Ethiopia itself. There are many unheard voices from many households in the country. Maids are treated as a trash, sleeps in a toilet and kitchen, forced to eat spoiled food and work in unsafe places. A lot of maids forcefully taken from countryside and transport into urban areas. Maids are refused their basic rights, access to education and information.
I don’t believe most Ethiopians have a right to complain about the way Arabs treat their domestic workers – Don’t we even harass more, our own Ethiopian citizens?
If that last paragraph isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is.
Hi Markos
I totaly agree! Read my blog post on the same issue:
http://insaneinvein.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/how-many-alem-delachas-are-next-door/
Grets
“don’t believe most Ethiopians have a right to complain about the way Arabs treat their domestic workers”
I think we can do both. No one should be mistreated anywhere. Just because they are not well treated in their own country it does not mean they should be thrown off skyscrapers, my friend. I do get your point, but for those of us outside the country, it makes sense to fight against the injustice abroad, and for those of you inside the country, to fight the injustice inside Ethiopia. And we can help each other along the way, sharing experience and creating effective strategies.
I really have appreciated those people who stand for such great job and you as well. Be in touch Ewket.