The Ministry of Labor is planning a day to honor model housemaids. The move has come in appreciation of the well-mannered housemaids working for Saudi families. Hatab Al-Anzi, Director of Public Relations at the ministry said Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, Minister of Labor, has given his directives for studying the idea aiming at reinforcing the principle of honesty among housemaids, Al-Watan Arabic daily said. Al-Anzi said the idea emerged from a proposal made by citizens in Jubail who sent a cable to Dr. Al-Gosaibi suggesting that the Kingdom devote a day for model housemaids in order to instill the culture of love and respect in the minds of Saudi families toward their housemaids. He stressed that the gesture would also make housemaids feel that they are dignified, respected and loved by their employers, a matter that would effectively help to change many prevailing attitudes. He said another citizen suggested that mutual respect, standard of performance, good behavior and honesty serve as criteria for selecting the model housemaid. He also suggested that a valuable gift to be offered to the model maid and that she be exempted from all household duties on the day as a token of respect and appreciation for the role she plays in the family. Dr. Ghazi Al-Shemeri, head of the Family Development Center in Jubail, said that the idea finds its roots in the Islamic Shariah manifested in the quality and behavior of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. He said that there are many precedents in Islam reflecting the importance of being kind to people who serve us. For example, Omar Bin Al-Khatab (May Allah be pleased with him) shared the camel he was riding on his way to Jerusalem with his servant with each man taking turns riding and walking. This, Dr. Al-Shemeri pointed out, is an example of the genuine Islamic values of tolerance, kindness and respect. Khaled Al-Ghamdi, a sociologist in Jubail, who praised the idea of a day to honor model housemaids, said it should be understood that kind treatment by the family produces a good housemaid, adding that a well-defined mechanism needs to be found to make the idea a success. __
