Chun Mei

Life taught me the rest. I don’t know. I know nothing, but I know I can only be a domestic worker; and this is the only way to keep my family sustaining,” she sighed.

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In nowadays society, education has already become an indispensable part of every child’s development; that we often take it for granted. However, there are still mindsets that are restricted in this feudal ideology of patriarchalism. Due to the limited income of her family, there was one girl in Chongqing who was deprived of the opportunity to go to school. The money was devoted to her little brother fulfilling his dreams instead.

"My formal education ended after primary school. At first, I thought this was very unfair. I was really upset. I asked myself everyday - why? How can they do this to me? And yet, there’s no response from my family. They just turned a blind eye. I am only allowed to read some books that are bought for my little brother, and I continued working on the farm. That’s just how it is. Life taught me the rest.” She lamented.

Nonetheless, she knew it was pointless to hate her brother. She knew she had to depend on and lead herself to the destiny she wished for. The undisclosed woman, whose identity remains concealed by her own request. Yet let’s give her a name - Auntie Chun.

Auntie Chun’s journey from Chongqing to Shenzhen undertook with her husband. Though their paths initially diverged, they sought the same aim – better pay. Therefore, providing a better living for their children which Auntie Chun and her husband were not given as kids. Upon their arrival in Shenzhen, life presented them with challenges that they had never anticipated.

She reflects, "When we first arrived, it was really hard. If not one of the hardest journeys, I would say. We just have a relative here. That’s it. He offered us all the support he could.”

Auntie Chun eventually brought herself to the path of being a domestic worker which then embraced for over 10 years. The domestic worker industry in Shenzhen is an enticing choice for Auntie Chun due to the significantly better wages compared to her Chongqing. In addition, her narrow educational background left her this only choice. Auntie Chun earns a wage of 6000RMB a month currently in Shenzhen. When asked about her decision to come to Shenzhen, Auntie Chun merely acknowledges the opportunities the city presents. She chose the path of hard work.

Auntie Chun’s primary responsibilities as a domestic worker involve cleaning and housekeeping, tasks that she finds much more suitable, satisfactory and freer compared to a live-in babysitter. She is indeed extremely appreciative that her employers have consistently paid her on time and treated her with respect, reinforcing the positive aspects of her path. In addition, Auntie Chun frankly shares that she has not personally experienced any rights violations.

While she expresses satisfaction with the high wages and flexibility of her job, Auntie Chun’s contemplative silence regarding the downsides speaks about the complexities and struggles that escorts her job. Her friends who remained in Chongqing, in contrast, view it as a favorable career opportunity, underscoring the positive aspects of her chosen path; which often leads to a sense of envy.

Auntie Chun’s career options remain somewhat limited by reason of her advancing age and illiteracy. Being a domestic worker, becomes her only alternative of receiving the best income among her ability.

Auntie Chun regards about the uncertainty of how long she can continue along this path.

In a candid acknowledgment of her lack of understanding about the operations of the government, Auntie Chun expresses her hope that the government will advocate rights for domestic workers, as she notices positive portrayals by the government on media.

It is inevitable that we all must cope with different kinds of challenges in our life, yet Auntie Chun’s journey has become a testament that no matter how grueling obstacles are, they can be overcome, no matter the circumstances.