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n absorbing article reflecting how the division of rich and poor in society seals the fate of some women '€œFrom Indramayu to Saudi Arabia: The journey of hope'€ by Ratih Hardjono, June 26.  

A rich man'€™s daughter goes abroad to study on her father'€™s money. On the contrary a poor man'€™s daughter leaves the country to earn bread and butter for the family, to ease her father'€™s financial burden. This story reflects the fate of countless girls from third world countries who migrate to developed countries in search of jobs.

It is a choice forced upon them by destiny, which they have to accept. The quest to see the world, the desire for money and the hope to get out of poverty take these women to entirely unknown places. For a girl confined within the walls of her house or village it is the attraction of a better life that draws them to these jobs.

These workers are not just contributing to the economy of their family or country. Their efforts as housekeepers and nannies are relied upon by the families employing them.

But these women need to be treated with respect and employers should be punished severely in cases of harassment.

The conquest for a better life blurs the beautiful things. The aim to have financial freedom diminishes the freedom enjoyed in their own country.  The choice of being with their loved ones cannot be equaled. It is a choice between an economically secure future or a life full of struggle. The opportunity to earn money makes these women move offshore where there is plenty money. This money may buy material things but to spend money sensibly is also important, but only education can teach this behavior.

 This '€œjourney of hope'€ from a small town to an unknown place will make these women world wise. If the hard work and sacrifice of these women can change the fate of their families, then we can only hope for a bright future.

Niharika Ghosh,
Purwakarta, West Java