VICTORIA WISNIEWSKI OTERO

Introducing the game-changing young talent on Hong Kong Tatler’s Generation T List. This month—a human rights advocate and founder of an organisation that aims to drive social change for a more inclusive Hong Kong

Like that other great American campaigner for radical social change, Victoria Wisniewski Otero has a dream. Hers is of a more inclusive Hong Kong, where the cycle of disempowerment is broken by handing the microphone to people who are rarely heard. She is making this vision a reality with Resolve Foundation, a platform that provides fellowships to leaders from underrepresented communities to help them become change-makers. Here she tells of her background and goals in her own words.

We all have an ethical responsibility to be more participatory.

I grew up in a modest Hispanic family in the US, and when I look back I can see how my bilingual, bicultural background shaped my perspective. Now I live in a global city and I’m aware of the privilege that gives me too. It’s so important to remember that we all have some privilege that others don’t and to think quite seriously about how we can leverage that to help them.

Diversity and inclusivity are not the same thing.

While Hong Kong is undeniably a vibrant and diverse city, inclusion is another matter. Statistically speaking, Hong Kong is the most unequal place in the developed world, so it is an objective fact that lots of groups are being marginalised. Certain communities are doubly affected by this: ethnic minority women, and those who are transgender and living in poverty.

I am not interested in providing sad stories about people who are victims.

I want to bring these people to the table. Jhic is one example. She came to Hong Kong from the Philippines as a migrant domestic worker 15 years ago and is also a proud member of the LGBT community. She is passionate about making Hong Kong a more accepting city. After working with us, she persuaded her employer to give her the day off so she could make a speech in the Legislative Council, which was later viewed 50,000 times online. Not only was she engaging with decision makers, she also became a role model for other domestic workers.

We want to build solidarity across movements.

While most NGOS target a specific subgroup, ours is about bringing them together. Last year we focused on racial equality; this year it is gender-based violence. We want people from very diverse backgrounds to collaborate on an issue they want to change.