Opinion | Editorials

Mercy mission to help maids

The Saudi campaign reminds people that in Islam it is prohibited to mistreat others.

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 23:41 December 11, 2008
  • Gulf News

Don't Strip Me of My Humanity. This bold and direct message is the core of an awareness ad campaign that has been running on Saudi-owned television. The privately funded 'Mercy' campaign aims to stop the abuse of domestic helpers at the hands of employers.

For long, the abuse went unreported. The fate of a maid was at the mercy of her employer.

Afraid of losing their jobs, the domestic helpers - who usually come from poor countries - keep silent and endure long and slave-like working hours. It is high time the abuse stopped.

The Saudi campaign is significant. Coming from a country where the judicial system is based on Sharia rules, it reminds people that their religion prohibits them from abusing others. "Have mercy on those on earth and the Lord of heavens will have mercy on you." The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said this 1,400 years ago. Let us all remember that.

Gulf News

Opinion Editor's choice
  • Russia, China complicit
    Russia, China complicit in Syria carnage
    By Fawaz Turki, Special to Gulf News

    By their double veto at the UN, they have chosen to back the Al Assad regime that is already wet spaghetti

  • Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Raza Gilani
    Two prime ministers in trouble
    By Kuldip Nayar, Special to Gulf News

    Gilani faces contempt of court charge while Singh encounters moral responsibility in 2G scam case

  • Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
    Moving towards honest democracy
    By Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia

    Russia needs to unbundle power and property and separate executive power from system of checks over it

Most people still consider spousal abuse as a private family matter and avoid getting involved.
What do you think?

Speak Your Mind

Is violence within a marriage a private matter?