Erwiana Sulistyaningsih (pictured above), the Indonesian domestic helper who accused her former employer Law Wan-tung of torturing her, has been named as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People.
The US news magazine described her as a brave woman for speaking out against the employer and advocating better laws to protect other maids. "Erwiana could not be broken, nor could she be silenced … 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," wrote Somaly Mam, anti-trafficking activist and co-founder of the Somaly Mam Foundation.
Sulistyaningsih's story shocked Hongkongers when it first came out in January. It raised awareness of the treatment of the city's domestic helpers.
Law has since been charged with causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and four counts of criminal intimidation against three domestic helpers. She allegedly beat Sulistyaningsih and threatened to kill her family.
Sulistyaningsih returned to Hong Kong this month to testify against Law. The case is due to resume tomorrow.
Time's list, made up mostly of artists, politicians and businesspeople, was unveiled last Thursday. This year's list includes a record 41 women, including the second appearance by singer Beyonce, who is featured on the magazine's cover, and the seventh appearance by Hillary Clinton, the former US secretary of state and a possible 2016 White House contender.