Biography

My name is Arlhyne, I am 46 years old, and I was born in the Philippines. As the eldest child in my family, I’ve always carried the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. I earned a degree in Information Technology from Southwoods in Cavite — a proud moment, but one overshadowed by the reality of financial hardship.

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With no support from my father, I made the difficult decision to leave my home and my dreams behind to work abroad. I became an Overseas Filipino Worker in Taiwan, employed in one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies. I worked tirelessly, pushing myself through long hours of overtime, determined to succeed. Eventually, I was promoted to Line Leader — trusted to teach technical skills and bridge language barriers, translating Mandarin into English.

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But like many migrant workers, the path I walked was far from easy. I was the breadwinner. The sacrifices were heavy. There were moments I felt like giving up, but every time I looked back, I saw my family — their hopes, their dreams, depending on me. I carried on, not just for survival, but for love.

When I became a mother, everything changed. My dreams grew bigger. I wanted to give my daughter a future filled with opportunity and happiness. I accepted work in Saudi Arabia as a nanny, a job that took me across Europe and Asia. But behind the travel was exhaustion and mistreatment. My rest was reduced to a few minutes to shower or eat — sometimes not even that. I slept with the baby every night. My time was not my own.

After four long years, I was granted a short visit home. But when I returned, I was handed over to another family — sold like a possession for a high price. They refused to pay me and expected me to continue working. I realized then that I had to save myself. When they brought me to the UK, I made the bold decision to break free. I knew I would stand a better chance of finding justice in the UK than in Saudi Arabia, where the system is so cruel and unjust.

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I chose freedom. I chose myself.

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Now, I am a proud and active member of The Voice of Domestic Workers. This community gave me the strength to begin again. Through online learning, ESOL classes every Sunday, and a network of sisters who understand my struggle, I am slowly regaining my confidence. I am facing my fears. I am rebuilding the woman I thought I had lost.

And today, I feel honoured and blessed to be part of Future Voices Revolution. This is more than a programme — it’s a movement. It’s a chance to rise, to speak out, and to fight for the rights we deserve as domestic workers and as human beings.

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My voice will no longer be silenced. I am here. I have survived. And now, I am ready to lead.