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Domestic workers should have the right to organize with others, not as a privilege granted in certain circumstances, but as a fundamental part of their dignity, safety, and humanity. Because for many domestic workers, the workplace is not an office or a public space. It is a private home, often hidden from view, where the lines between work and personal life can blur, and where silence can stretch for hours, days, even years. Imagine waking up each day to work in isolation. N

Campaigns that support domestic workers are rooted in something deeply human. The belief that every person, no matter where they work or where they come from, deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Behind every clean home, every cared-for child, every supported family, there is a worker whose labor often goes unseen, whose sacrifices are rarely acknowledged, and whose rights are too easily overlooked. Domestic workers, cleaners, nannies, carers, play an e

On Monday, April 20, 2026, we gathered outside Parliament dressed as suffragettes. Our white garments carrying the weight of history, our silence carrying the force of truth. We stood together not as individuals, but as a collective voice shaped by courage, resilience, and the quiet defiance of those who refuse to remain unseen. As migrant domestic workers and proud members of The Voice of Domestic Workers, we came with a clear message, we are here, we are workers, and we des

Lack of protection, this is one of the heaviest realities faced by many domestic workers, especially for someone like me who does not have the right to work. Every day, I carry a quiet fear. A fear that is hard to explain, but always present, that one day, everything could suddenly be taken away. My job. My income. My chance to build a better future. Because the truth is, when your immigration status is not stable, no matter how hardworking or dedicated you are, nothing ever

In a world that prides itself on progress, equality, and human rights, there are still voices that remain unheard, stories that continue to unfold behind closed doors. A recent report by ITV News brings to light a painful and urgent reality: for many migrant domestic workers, freedom is still out of reach. These are women who travel across borders with hope, hope for better opportunities, to support their families, and to build a safer future. But for some, that hope turns in

This is what I would like to share. As someone who has worked as a domestic worker for 16 years, I have seen and experienced so much, different homes, different environments, different people. But no matter where I go, one thing often remains the same, many people still see domestic workers as belonging to the lower level of work. It is not always said out loud, but it is felt in the way we are treated, in the way we are spoken to, and sometimes in the way we are overlooked.

To truly recognize domestic work as dignified and essential labor, we must begin by facing a reality that has been ignored for far too long, the people who care for our homes, our children, and our loved ones are still not fully recognized as workers in the eyes of the law. Across many countries, domestic workers continue to fall through the gaps, unprotected, unseen, and undervalued. While their work is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life, the systems meant to prot

Living and working inside a private home can seem, from the outside, like a place of safety. But for many domestic workers, it can also become a space where rights are unclear, boundaries disappear, and silence becomes part of everyday life. For live-in domestic workers, the line between work and rest is often invisible. There is no clear beginning or end to the day. Morning can start before the household wakes, and night can end long after everything is quiet. Tasks do not a

For me, as someone who has worked as a domestic worker for 16 years, this is not just a job, it is a life I have lived, a journey I have carried, and a reality I continue to witness every single day. In all those years, across different homes and places, I have seen how domestic work is often viewed. Many people still see us as belonging to the lower level of work, as if what we do is less important, less valuable, or less deserving of respect. It is a quiet kind of judgment,

To truly recognize domestic work as dignified and essential labor, we must first be willing to confront a difficult truth, for too long, the people who care for our homes and families have been excluded from the very systems meant to protect workers. Domestic work has always been real work. It requires skill, patience, trust, and emotional strength. It supports households, enables careers, and sustains entire economies. And yet, despite its importance, it continues to exist i

What changes are needed today to truly recognize domestic work as dignified and essential labor? Domestic work has always been essential. Across the world, in every home, there are workers who wake up early, sleep late, and give their time and care to ensure that others can live their lives with ease. They cook, they clean, they care for children, and support the elderly. They hold together the quiet foundation of everyday life. And yet, despite all of this, domestic work is

Good day to everyone, and a heartfelt happy anniversary. My name is Floribelle, and I am proud to be a member of the Voice of Domestic Workers, as well as a participant in the Information Technology class guided by Sir Elijah. Today, I stand not just to celebrate this special occasion, but to share a journey, one that has opened doors for me, built my confidence, and reminded me that learning has the power to transform lives. Over the past year, I have learned so many things

What challenges do domestic workers face that often go unseen or unheard? For many people, domestic work is something that blends quietly into the background of everyday life. It is seen as routine, ordinary even invisible. But behind that quiet routine is a reality filled with sacrifice, strength, and struggles that rarely come to light. Domestic workers do more than clean homes or care for families. They carry responsibilities that require patience, trust, and emotional str

What challenges do domestic workers face that often go unseen or unheard? To many, domestic work looks simple. It is often described in soft words, cleaning, caring, helping. But behind those words is a reality that is far more complex, and often far more painful, than what the world chooses to see. Domestic workers, cleaners, nannies, caregivers are the quiet force that keeps households running and lives moving forward. They wake before others do. They rest only when everyth

There are moments in life that stay with you forever, moments that remind you why you chose this path, why you keep going despite the challenges, and why the work you do truly matters. One of my proudest achievements is being able to help rescue my fellow domestic workers from abusive employers. It is not something I say lightly. Behind every rescue is a story of fear, silence, and pain that no one should ever have to endure. And yet, for many domestic workers, this is a real

How do we truly create fairer and more respectful working conditions? This question is not just for employers, or for workers, or for governments alone, it is a shared responsibility. It is a call for all of us to come together and build something better, something more humane, something rooted in dignity. Creating a safe and respectful working environment does not happen overnight. It requires intention. It requires compassion. And most importantly, it requires action, from

As one of the trustees of this organisation and as a proud domestic worker, I carry both responsibility and hope in my heart. My journey is deeply intertwined with the very people we serve. I have lived the same realities, faced the same uncertainties, and carried the same quiet resilience that so many domestic workers hold every single day. That is why my vision for this organisation goes beyond simply responding to hardship. I dream of a future where our work becomes a brid

Hello. My name is Marigold Balquen. I carry many roles with pride. I am a board trustee of The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW), and I lead the Fundraising and Socialising Working Group. But beyond these titles, I am someone whose life has been deeply shaped, transformed, and given purpose through this community. Today, I want to share not just what I do, but what it truly feels like to be part of this extraordinary organization. My Role as a Trustee and Working Group Leader

April 6, which marks the anniversary of the removal of rights from Overseas Domestic Workers, migrant domestic workers, and allies, will stage a powerful Suffragette inspired static protest in central London, demanding the restoration of rights lost in 2012 on April 20 at 11.30 AM in Old Palace Yard, in front of UK Parliament.    The action marks 14 years since the UK government stripped domestic workers of the basic protections that safeguard against exploitation, leaving th

For a long time, I struggled to find my voice. Like many domestic workers, I spent most of my time focusing on my responsibilities, working hard, doing my best, and trying not to cause problems. I believed that if I stayed quiet, worked diligently, and always said yes, everything would be fine. But inside, I was carrying many feelings I did not know how to express. When I first joined The Voice of Domestic Workers, I did not realize how much it would change my life. At the be