When human rights and Mother’s Day collide

“YOU know what today is, right?” Shihaam’s question sounds more like an accusation, so I gather I’m in the crosshairs of a disgruntled wife.

But I think I’m covered. I might be making my living in Qatar, but my heart belongs to South Africa.

“Nice try,” I reply. “Of course I know. It’s Human Rights Day back home.”

“Ridwaan…” I cut Shihaam off before she can continue, telling her I’m going to get the kids around immediately to give them a refresher on why Human Rights Day is celebrated in South Africa on March 21.

As parents, we believe it’s important that, while living an expat life, our children never lose touch with South Africa, and that they have an understanding of the road the country has travelled. And that the journey isn’t over.

Qatar’s journey is also a long way from being completed. The country offers many attractions to those seeking pastures new. Safety, tax-free salaries, and international education opportunities are but some of the positives.

But, as in all countries, there are challenges. Profiling is a problem here, with nationality sometimes playing a part in determining an employee’s salary grade and working environment, especially in smaller companies.

You could have two employees doing the same job, but one could earn more depending on the colour of their passport.

The exchange rate and lifestyle in the employee’s home country is also used as a rationale for determining remuneration.

With the 2022 Football World Cup on the horizon for Qatar, workers’ rights have been highlighted, especially in the British press.

The Qatar government, in its defence, has acknowledged its shortcomings in this regard and emphasised that it is placing processes in place to safeguard the rights of those living and working in the country. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will Qatar be.

In a country with a smorgasbord of nationalities – expats comprise the majority of the estimated total population of 2 million – the question, “Where are you from?”, is an oft-asked one.

Shihaam and I try to make sure our kids know that being different doesn’t matter when it comes to gauging whether someone is worth having in your life. Accents can come and go, we’ve learnt, but good friends are worth holding onto. “The kids must be out playing,” I say. “Let’s give them a refresher about Human Rights Day as soon as they come in.”

Shihaam gives me a withering look. “Please do. And when you’re done, we can talk about what we’re doing for Arab Mother’s Day.

“You seem to have forgotten that it falls on March 21 every year in the Gulf.”

Ouch. I’m pretty sure I’ve just lost my human rights at home.