You have read Airyn's poignant verses here many times. But not many of you would know the difficult circumstances she has traversed to reach where she is today. Her courage is exemplary, her perseverance inspiring for women all over the world.
SNS
October 02, 2010
Airyn Lentija is a domestic worker based in Hong Kong. She is a prolific poet and social worker. Her journey has been full of obstacles, her life an inspiration for millions of women worldwide. Airyn's story shows how women have the ability to turn adverse situations to their benefit through sheer perseverance and intent.
SJ: How did your poetic journey begin?
AL: My poetic journey started during my elementary school days. Poetry understands and knows the depths of my soul, the cries of my heart. When I started to write poems regarding the issues of the world and they were published by the Asian Human Rights Commission and WUNRN (Women's United Nations Report Network), I knew I was on the right path. I used to ask God what he really wanted for me. I constantly asked for his guidance, to deliver me from my failures. Now I know this is what he wanted for me – to use my talent and help people who face abuse and neglect.
SJ: How has the experience of working as a domestic worker helped you write?
AL: When I left Philippines and came to Hong Kong to work as a domestic worker, my knowledge about life became wider. I met different people from different countries, shared their experiences. My world suddenly widened into an unlimited horizon. I’ve been working for almost three years now for a Chinese couple with one son; luckily I haven’t faced any kind of abuse from them since they treat me as a member of the family.
SJ: What inspires your writing?
AL: A lot of things inspire me to write. A leaf falling, a river flowing, the sky but what really touches my heart are issues that involve human rights abuses especially when it comes to children, women and the elderly.
SJ: You are involved with a lot of social organizations - what kind of work do you do with them?
AL: Through FILCOMSIN (Filipino Community Services and Information Network), I strive to help domestic workers to be aware of their rights. We help workers with legal or mental/emotional problems through mentoring and counseling and we have also been campaigning for Hong Kong Laws to be implemented regarding OCW (overseas contract workers) because sometimes many employers do not follow the legalities. Through BUHAY KA, a cancer support group, I try to help Filipino domestic workers diagnosed with cancer. I am one of the caregivers and as caregivers we provide cancer survivors the support as they go through the various processes of cancer therapy. As a member of the Filipino workers trade union, I strive to educate Filipino domestic workers about their rights and benefits.
SJ: What are you doing to ensure that domestic workers in Hong Kong are treated with the respect and humanity they deserve?
AL: I am part of LAKBAY DANGAL, a group founded by Father Robert Reyes to educate Filipinos about their national pride. We have been going from one historic place to another in what is called the ‘Filipino Trail,’ familiarizing ourselves with our history. In December, members who will complete a series of lectures will be given certificates as tour guides for the trail. This will promote the cause of domestic workers and help change the impression of us as idiots and slaves. We are hoping that they will finally see us for what we are – human beings who to should be respected and treated as equals.
SJ: Many women have a lot to say but they are shy of making their voice heard on public platforms - what is your message to them?
AL: I was one of them not so long ago. But later I realized that I must share my thoughts with everyone because it is such a release. I got the courage to speak out my mind about certain issues to the world because I realized I am helping many people by sharing my thoughts with them. I want to say to every woman out there – if you have lots to say but you are shy to say them on a public platform, write them on paper. Pen your thoughts, views, advice, anything about your experience in interacting with the world around you. Later on, when the right time comes for you to be heard by everyone, you can share them. At least as you keep on writing and writing, your writing skills will improve. So when you have the opportunity to speak on a public platform, you won’t feel shy anymore because through learning, you will gain enough self confidence. I believe that only a courageous and well-prepared woman is ready to face the world and speak out her mind. BE THAT WOMAN!
(Copyright@Shetizenjournalist.com - for reprinting permission email us)
A Protest through Poetry
You have read Airyn's poignant verses here many times. But not many of you would know the difficult circumstances she has traversed to reach where she is today. Her courage is exemplary, her perseverance inspiring for women all over the world.
SNS
October 02, 2010
Airyn Lentija is a domestic worker based in Hong Kong. She is a prolific poet and social worker. Her journey has been full of obstacles, her life an inspiration for millions of women worldwide. Airyn's story shows how women have the ability to turn adverse situations to their benefit through sheer perseverance and intent.
SJ: How did your poetic journey begin?
AL: My poetic journey started during my elementary school days. Poetry understands and knows the depths of my soul, the cries of my heart. When I started to write poems regarding the issues of the world and they were published by the Asian Human Rights Commission and WUNRN (Women's United Nations Report Network), I knew I was on the right path. I used to ask God what he really wanted for me. I constantly asked for his guidance, to deliver me from my failures. Now I know this is what he wanted for me – to use my talent and help people who face abuse and neglect.
SJ: How has the experience of working as a domestic worker helped you write?
AL: When I left Philippines and came to Hong Kong to work as a domestic worker, my knowledge about life became wider. I met different people from different countries, shared their experiences. My world suddenly widened into an unlimited horizon. I’ve been working for almost three years now for a Chinese couple with one son; luckily I haven’t faced any kind of abuse from them since they treat me as a member of the family.
SJ: What inspires your writing?
AL: A lot of things inspire me to write. A leaf falling, a river flowing, the sky but what really touches my heart are issues that involve human rights abuses especially when it comes to children, women and the elderly.
SJ: You are involved with a lot of social organizations - what kind of work do you do with them?
AL: Through FILCOMSIN (Filipino Community Services and Information Network), I strive to help domestic workers to be aware of their rights. We help workers with legal or mental/emotional problems through mentoring and counseling and we have also been campaigning for Hong Kong Laws to be implemented regarding OCW (overseas contract workers) because sometimes many employers do not follow the legalities. Through BUHAY KA, a cancer support group, I try to help Filipino domestic workers diagnosed with cancer. I am one of the caregivers and as caregivers we provide cancer survivors the support as they go through the various processes of cancer therapy. As a member of the Filipino workers trade union, I strive to educate Filipino domestic workers about their rights and benefits.
SJ: What are you doing to ensure that domestic workers in Hong Kong are treated with the respect and humanity they deserve?
AL: I am part of LAKBAY DANGAL, a group founded by Father Robert Reyes to educate Filipinos about their national pride. We have been going from one historic place to another in what is called the ‘Filipino Trail,’ familiarizing ourselves with our history. In December, members who will complete a series of lectures will be given certificates as tour guides for the trail. This will promote the cause of domestic workers and help change the impression of us as idiots and slaves. We are hoping that they will finally see us for what we are – human beings who to should be respected and treated as equals.
SJ: Many women have a lot to say but they are shy of making their voice heard on public platforms - what is your message to them?
AL: I was one of them not so long ago. But later I realized that I must share my thoughts with everyone because it is such a release. I got the courage to speak out my mind about certain issues to the world because I realized I am helping many people by sharing my thoughts with them. I want to say to every woman out there – if you have lots to say but you are shy to say them on a public platform, write them on paper. Pen your thoughts, views, advice, anything about your experience in interacting with the world around you. Later on, when the right time comes for you to be heard by everyone, you can share them. At least as you keep on writing and writing, your writing skills will improve. So when you have the opportunity to speak on a public platform, you won’t feel shy anymore because through learning, you will gain enough self confidence. I believe that only a courageous and well-prepared woman is ready to face the world and speak out her mind. BE THAT WOMAN!
(Copyright@Shetizenjournalist.com - for reprinting permission email us)
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