Erwiana in One Billion Rising dance campaign to end violence against women

Laughing and chatting with friends in Central yesterday, Erwiana Sulistyaningsih was a different person to the sombre figure seen going in and out of court recently.

The Indonesian's former employer, Law Wan-tung, was this week convicted in the District Court on a raft of assault charges involving Erwiana and another Indonesian maid, Tutik Lestari Ningsih. Law will be sentenced on February 27.

Yesterday, Erwiana was the star of the show for One Billion Rising - a worldwide campaign to end violence against women.

Dozens turned out for the event outside the HSBC headquarters to show solidarity for the cause, and simply to dance.

"I'm happy and excited today," Erwiana, 23, said through an interpreter, as she was greeted by friends, well-wishers and other migrant workers. "No, it's not because of the court case. It's about seeing so many people coming out for this cause."

The event takes its name from a UN figure - one billion women, or one in three, will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. It was launched in 2012 by activist Eve Ensler. It was being held for a third year in Hong Kong.

Student Rama Kulkarni, who helped to organise the event here, said the mood was more festive than last year's.