My name is Gracie, and I am originally from the Philippines. I am 47 years old and a proud mother of four children — three beautiful daughters aged 27, 21, and 17, and my youngest, my only son, who is 15. Each of them is my heart, my hope, and my reason for enduring the hardships I’ve faced.

In 2007, I left my children behind to work in Hong Kong. I stayed there until 2009, but the pain of being separated from my kids when they were so young was unbearable. When I returned home to the Philippines, I hoped never to go abroad again. But life was harsh, and the struggle to provide for my family was relentless. So, in 2010, I made the difficult decision to leave once more — this time to Kuwait.

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For three years, I worked hard in Kuwait, dreaming of a better life for my children and myself. Eventually, my employer brought me to London. But like many domestic workers, my time there was marked by abuse and exploitation. I felt lost, isolated, and powerless — working tirelessly but without knowing my rights or how to protect myself.

After four long years of struggle, I finally found The Voice of Domestic Workers. Joining this organisation was like finding a beacon in the darkness — a place where I learned that hope still exists, that freedom is possible, and that I am not alone.

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Now, I am honoured to join the Future Voices Revolution 2025. This programme is more than a new chapter — it is a chance to heal, to grow, and to become a stronger advocate not only for myself but for others. I want to learn all I can and use that knowledge to help those who are still afraid to speak up, those whose worries remain silent.

 

I want to be a source of courage and strength, showing fellow domestic workers that their voices matter, and together, we can create a future where no one has to suffer in silence.