Erwiana Sulistyaningsih (born 7 January 1991) is an Indonesian woman and a former maid who was known for suffering abuse at the hands of her employer while working as a domestic helper in Hong Kong.
[3] In 2012, Erwiana received permission to be a migrant worker through PT Graha Ayu Karsa and went to Hong Kong through this company on 27 May 2013.
Abandoned at the airport and unable to walk, Erwiana finally met Rianti, a fellow Indonesian who escorted her home to Ngawi.
In November 2012, Amnesty International condemned the Hong Kong and Indonesian governments for leaving women vulnerable to exploitation, restrictions on freedoms, physical and sexual violence, lack of food and long working hours.
[4] As a result of the police not investigating the claim, protests were held in Hong Kong with up to 5,000 demonstrators and various civil rights groups calling for justice for Erwiana.
[6] Hong Kong Police sent a delegation of officers to the hospital to interview Erwiana, who filed charges after a "thorough and in-depth investigation".
Along with several names issued by anti-violation activist Somaly Mam, Erwiana was cited as an "inspiration" for other migrant workers fighting against violence and discrimination.
She spoke out against the woman, who faces charges including causing grievous bodily harm and common assault, and with the support of family Erwiana is advocating for better laws to protect others who may share her fate, placing a spotlight on the plight of a vulnerable and often invisible population.