About 4% of Hong Kong's population is made up of Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers, approximately 280,000 women. These women, hired by local and expat HK families, work as maids and care givers to many of the city's upper and upper middle income households. They are paid about $450/month USD, and receive paid holiday, food allowances, board, and medical coverage. Unlike the US, they do have legal rights and must be hired for a two year commitment (at least), Although applauds to HK for giving them legal rights, most work long hours, no doubt endure abuse from their employers, and perhaps feel to shy to actually complain to the government if conditions are rough in the home. A few days ago, the HK gov't passed a law to pay these women on an hourly basis, which could lead to increased pay. Fingers crossed.
Every Sunday, these 200,000 beautiful women get a day off. Rather than sit in their employers' homes, they take to Victoria Park, for a day of picnics, laughter, reading, games and dancing. It's a beautiful place to visit with such positive energy.
And did I mention the style? A lot of the young girls, dress in a very unique street-punk style, with a masculine edge. Big trucker hats, baggy pants, bright yellows, pinks, oranges-paired with black, shaved & spiked hair, boots and colorful sneakers. The smell of clove cigarettes are in the air and many girls hold hands.
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