On the plane ride from Manila to Bahrain, I was seated next to a 25 year old woman. She is heading to Dubai to work as a domestic helper in a house. Previously, she worked in Singapore in a similar role. She explained that Dubai is seen as a stepping stone for job and country employment. This position will help her gain additional skills and training which she will hope allow her to move to a country like Canada. I am not at all familiar with the Immigration and Visa Laws of Canada but I am unsure if they are very generous in granting visas for domestic help, but again, this is a guess.

She explained in more detail that she worked for six years in Singapore and only had the last six months off. I was astonished. Six months break for six years employment was shocking.

But my heart really broke for her. She turned to me and said that she had not been allowed holiday and had not returned once during the six years. Her eyes welled up as she said, "I didn't see my family. It was hard, but I did it for them, so things will be easier for them".

I held her hand and she tried to shake off the tears. I asked her if she was okay and she nodded yes.

I felt so useless. I wanted to do something for her.

My mind raced and again, I thought about all the facts and figures. She is just one of so many. I feel like such a fraud and I felt angry with everyone including me.