I am Lyn, I’m 31 years old and I was born in the Philippines. My parents were not able to afford my education, so I worked and studied until I managed to finish my secondary education. After graduation, I applied abroad to work as a domestic worker in Lebanon. Working in another country was both hard and a sacrifice being away from my family and friends. I was used and exposed for hard work. I finished the contract after two years, even though it was very tough, so I didn’t get any penalty from my agency and employer. I went back home and I was so happy that I wished I could stay but I was forced to leave again because our life was still very poor. I applied again but this time in Qatar. I worked there for many years even though I was not okay and being abused, but I was more prepared for this sacrifice so I could give my family better living conditions. This employer brought me here to London where I was able to leave them and support myself. 

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Here in England is where I met ’The Voice of Domestic Workers’ and I have been a member of this community since 2016. I am happy to have family here, that we care for one another, and this has only been possible with the help of the VODW and my escape from my employer. I am blessed with the gift of motherhood and now proudly nurture my beautiful daughter Athena, with immeasurable joy in my life.

 

The Voice of Domestic Workers has allowed me to feel accepted and no longer feel alone. We are able to help one another deal with our issues and negative experiences, they are like family to me. 

 

I want the public to know that domestic work is legitimate work, but people are not often recognised as workers as most domestic workers experience abuse and sexual harassment from their employer. People must understand that we matter.