This archive report was first published on 8 December 2019.
As the househelp transfer and changeover season approaches in December, many women are hiring new domestic workers to help with household chores. However, this hiring process can have unintended consequences, especially when it comes to hiring young female househelps.
According to a recent case, Ruth Khaecha, a former househelp, was accused of stealing Sh1.35 million from her employer. Ruth denied the allegations, claiming she earned the money as a reward for providing 'good sex'. This incident highlights the risks associated with hiring young female househelps.
Women who hire young female househelps may inadvertently create awkward family situations, as one or more of the 'boys' in the house may try to sample the new domestic worker's 'fruits of blossoming femininity'. This can lead to women becoming reluctant co-wives or mothers to step-children.
It is essential for women to take a realistic check on the male/female ratio in their house and use that to determine whether they will hire a male or female househelp. If they have more than three boys in the house, they should consider hiring a male domestic worker or an elderly matronly lady who is past her sexual prime.
Women should also establish clear boundaries and ring-fence certain duties to prevent the househelp from getting too close to their husbands. This includes not giving the househelp rights to feed their husbands or wash their cars, as this can lead to the househelp gaining too much familiarity and potentially leading to intimate situations.
While househelps are necessary for the survival of modern-day career women, they also come with potential hazards that must be managed. By being aware of these risks, women can take steps to protect their marriages and families.
Related Topics: Househelp Marriages Domestic conflict
