Going to Riyadh was full. Many migrant workers from Pakistan, Nepal and India, there are some "kabayans" too! One hour and forty five minutes was not bad though during the final approach, we stayed in our jumpseats for quite a while.
Then going back to Abu Dhabi, the cabin isn't full. Great! But there's this one incident the broke my heart! I was assisting Cabin Senior during boarding, I assisted one Sri Lankan guests to her seat but she transfered by the window, not her official seat! It's okay, it's not full!
Then came the Filipina guests, who's seat was occupied already by the Singalese guest, so I reseated her one seat forward. She spoke to me quietly and thanked me for my assistance and she said she might cry again.
I asked why. And then she showed me her face after removing her "HIJAB".
It's bruised, swollen and red! I cried!
Her tears were like a raging river, literally! most of the guests were looking at us but I don't care, Then she told me her story. Her female employer beat her early today before our departure but she was able to escape through the help of her employer's son. Apparently, the female employer changed her mind regarding her vacation, so the day before, she didn't release her six months salary, kept her laptop and other stuff like gifts for her kids and family. She was crying like a baby, her employer's son was so kind, dropped her at the airport and was able to give her 100 riyals and carry 1 paper bag with some of her clothes. Her employer doesn't want her to leave anymore and instead punched her many times in the face. She just cried, cried, cried and begged for mercy!
Why? I don't know the reason.
There were four Filipino crew in our flight, Lyzel, Joan, Kat and Me. I asked them if we can give her something aside from the ice in a plastic bag I gave her for her bruises, bottle of water and panadol. They said yes. I took 100 dirhams from my and they gave the same. Without second thoughts! We could have given more but that's the only cash we have and we thought that this money could make a small difference for her. When we handed the envelope, we wrote down, "God is greater than our problems" and then a smiley! We smiled at her and when she opened it... She cried again. And can't even thank us more.
The feeling of charity, empathy and "bayanihan" lifted our spirits.
Everyday, people are being maltreated, harassed or some may result to death. And its a painful reality for overseas migrant workers, whether they're from the Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, India, Pakistan or any third world country. They need help and support.
I felt bad that I can't stop the ABUSE. I have no power. I just look! stand! and feel sorry! I wish I can do more!
Her name is Judith, seated at 38A, EY 316, Riyadh to Abu Dhabi| 31.03.10, Filipina Domestic Helper. Physically Abused. Penniless but Alive, Broken but still have her Dignity. By now, she's on her way back to the Philippines, to her Home, her family!
(Sigh)
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