Creating a pluralistic and inclusive society where there is no barrier to equal opportunities is important as it ensures every individual to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their sex, disability, family status and race. Migrant domestic workers are one of the most vulnerable groups in our community given the fact that they always face challenges concerning their employment and access to services and facilities in daily life. Migrant domestic workers are employees, just like everyone else with a job. The law recognises this, with the anti-discrimination ordinances, Employment Ordinance and labour laws being applicable to migrant domestic workers and their employers. As they are not familiar with Hong Kong’s context, many of them have a vague awareness of their legal protections and where they can seek professional help in case of violation of their entitled rights. Greater supports from our community are vital to them.
Through the Community Participation Funding Programme on Equal Opportunities, the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) has supported over 1,200 projects carried out by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community groups, and schools in the past 26 years to promote public understanding of equal opportunities and the principles and applications of the Sex Discrimination Ordinance, the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, the Family Status Discrimination Ordinance and the Race Discrimination Ordinance. It is hoped that the funded projects would foster non-discriminatory attitudes and encourage members of the public to put aside their prejudices, and support and apply the principles of equal opportunities in everyday life.
Organised by Helpology, “Helpology Ambassador Programme” is a funded project under the Funding Programme. By attending free training sessions and workshops in the Ambassador Programme, migrant domestic helpers are empowered to be Helpology Ambassadors who will further contribute to spreading legal awareness and understanding in the domestic worker community. As a conclusion of this meaningful project, Helpology publishes this Handbook which will act as a handy guide for migrant domestic helpers as well as others who are interested in knowing more about this topic.
This Handbook as a significant deliverable of the project covers the content of the four anti-discrimination ordinances as well as the Employment Ordinance. The Handbook takes a practical approach to providing legal tips by answering a number of questions related to the common challenges migrant domestic helpers usually face in reality. An overview of the community resources is available at the end of this Handbook to ensure the readers can know where they may access professional assistance from the relevant government departments and statutory bodies.
Creating an inclusive society requires sustained efforts over an extensive period of time. I hope this Handbook not only acts as a guide for migrant domestic workers, but also serves as a call to action for all of us to value diversity and embrace differences in society. In closing, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this Handbook, and the ambassadors who are passionate about further sharing the messages of equal opportunities.
Mr Ricky CHU Man-kin, IDS
Chairperson
Equal Opportunities Commission
Download our handbook: Helpology Ambassador Handbook