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There was a time when I felt invisible. Each day began before sunrise and ended long after dark. I poured my energy into caring for others, cooking, cleaning, and looking after homes that were not my own. Yet no matter how much effort I gave, it often felt like I didn’t matter. My work was unseen, my voice unheard. I faced long hours, little rest, and unfair treatment things that slowly wore down my confidence and made me question my worth and dignity as a person. Sometimes,

Before I joined The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW), my life in the UK often felt heavy and uncertain. I came here with a heart full of hope determined to support my family and build a better future. Like many others, I carried my dreams across oceans, believing that hard work would open doors. But life as a domestic worker isn’t easy. You work long hours in someone else’s home cleaning, cooking, caring, doing everything with love and dedication. But at the end of the day, y

If I could share one message with the world, it would be this. Migrant domestic workers are more than just helpers or servants. We are the heartbeat of countless homes. We are the energy that holds families together. We are the hands that make peace and order possible in the lives of others. Our work goes beyond cleaning, cooking, and caring . It’s an act of love and service that sustains households and communities. We bring calm to chaos, warmth to cold mornings, and stabil

If I could send one powerful message to the world, it would be this. "We are essential workers not servants." We are the invisible strength that keeps homes, families, and communities alive. Every morning, before the world awakens, millions of domestic workers rise to begin another day of unseen labour cooking meals, cleaning homes, caring for children, and comforting the elderly. We are the quiet hands that make life possible for others. Yet despite our essential role, too m

To the policymakers we are not invisible. Every decision you make, every policy you sign, ripples through our lives. It determines whether we are seen or ignored, protected or forgotten. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair immigration laws, legal protection, and the right to live and work with dignity. Our voices may have been silenced for too long, but we are here and we are speaking up. We are The Voice of Domestic Workers, and we are reclaiming

I am not just carrying my luggage, I am carrying the dreams, hopes, and future of my family. Every meal I cooked, every room I cleaned, every smile I shared was for the loved ones waiting for me back home. Every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every lonely moment away from home is a labor of love. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are not just workers; we are silent heroes. We are daughters, sisters, mothers, and friends who fight battles alone with dignity and sincerity. We

By Aira & Norhana Our first visit to the UK Parliament both the House of Lords and the House of Commons was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped through its historic doors, we could feel the weight of centuries of leadership and tradition. Every corner seemed to whisper stories of debates, decisions, and events that have shaped not just the United Kingdom, but also influenced the wider world. Aira reflects, “From the moment I entered, I could feel the weig

The Overseas Domestic Workers Coalition calls on the public and UK Parliament to support Baroness Hamwee’s Amendment 44 to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. This vital amendment seeks to reinstate the original Overseas Domestic Worker (ODW) visa, which once offered essential protections and freedom to thousands of migrant domestic workers. DOWNLOAD BRIEFING REPORT HERE The amendment proposes restoring key rights, including the ability to change employers witho

There are times in life when the weight of the world feels too heavy — when uncertainty, homesickness, and loneliness settle in your heart like a quiet ache. That was my reality before I found The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW) . When I first arrived in the UK, everything felt unfamiliar. The streets, the language, even the air — everything reminded me that I was far away from home. I worked hard every day, but deep inside, I felt invisible. I didn’t know where to go for he

Going to the Parliament with The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW)  was truly one of the most memorable and inspiring experiences I’ve ever had. It was not just a simple visit—it was a day filled with pride, learning, and a deep sense of purpose. We were joined by our friends from Kalayaan , and together, we proudly carried the voices and stories of migrant domestic workers who continue to fight for dignity, respect, and recognition. From the very beginning, the experience fel

I come from a poor family in the Philippines. Growing up, education was a luxury we couldn't always afford. I had dreams, but life pushed me toward survival. When I decided to work overseas, I told myself it was for my family, to give them a better life, to break the cycle of poverty. But when I arrived in another country, I thought my life would finally get better. But instead, I faced abuse and loneliness. I worked long hours with little rest. I felt invisible, like I didn'

At a recent event hosted by The Voice of Domestic Workers  during their Unite Migrant Domestic Workers Branch  meeting on Sunday 12 October, domestic and care workers gathered to hear the results of new research exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives and livelihoods. The research was presented by academics Dr Louisa Acciari from University College London (UCL)  and  Dr Sabah Boufkhed from the University of Manchester . Two special guests joined the meeti

When I first heard about The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW) , I honestly thought it was a singing contest. My friend Mary said to me,...

This photo wasn’t taken during a professional photoshoot or in some faraway destination that would make others pause with envy. It wasn’t...

I am truly grateful to be part of The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW) —a community that has given me opportunities for growth and...

Take this photo, for instance. At first glance, it might look like nothing special. Just a casual afternoon with friends, standing on a...

When I first became part of The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW) , my emotions were a mix of fear, uncertainty, and hope. Everything felt...

In East Croydon , on July 5 and 12, 2025 , I had the wonderful opportunity to join a candle-making workshop  that turned out to be so...

I am truly grateful that I joined the Photography Training , because it opened my eyes to a whole new world of creativity and...

I am truly grateful for having this kind of class, because through it, I am learning how to create things that are completely new to me....