Discovering My Rights and My Confidence Changed the Way I See Myself By Rose Ann Cotitob
I never expected VODW to change my life the way it has. When I first joined, I was inspired simply by being part of the community and eager to learn, but I admit now, honestly, that I never anticipated everything that would follow. I walked in excited rather than certain, and more than two years later, I feel like someone who has been rebuilt from the inside out.
The classes gave me more than technical skills, though there were plenty of those too. In IT, I learned to use my phone with confidence. In Mediacom, I discovered Canva and a new creative side of myself.
In Body Mind and Wellness, I found motivation I did not know I was missing. But the lesson that meant the most to me was learning my rights as a domestic worker, knowledge that so many workers are never given the chance to access. During my sessions I felt reconnected with myself, built confidence, became more resilient, and even felt healed, a rare and precious combination for anyone, let alone someone carrying the weight of life far from home.
The moment that stayed with me was learning to respect others, a small phrase that speaks to something much larger, the kind of grounded dignity that VODW's classes seem to nurture in everyone who walks through the door. By the time my sessions ended, I felt something I can only describe with striking honesty: without VODW, I am nothing. It is a bold statement, but one that reflects just how deeply this community reshaped my sense of self and possibility.
Graduation, for me, felt like receiving a degree I never thought I would earn, even though my formal education had been interrupted long ago. VODW made me feel that everything I had done was worth it. My gratitude flows generously to everyone involved, to Unite the Union for standing on the frontline to protect workers like me, to English for Action for offering free classes, and to VODW itself for giving me not just an education but a fuller understanding of my rights.
That understanding of rights sits at the very centre of VODW's campaigns, the fight for the right to change employer without restriction, the right to renew the ODW visa, the right to settlement, and the right to British citizenship.
My hope for the future is to see those goals realised, and I have already committed myself to continuing that fight, encouraging every domestic worker who secures her papers to stay and keep supporting VODW's mission.
My journey is proof of what becomes possible when a domestic worker is finally given knowledge, community, and belief in herself, all at once. I arrived hoping to learn a few new skills. I left knowing my rights, trusting my own strength, and determined to help build a better future for the workers who will walk through VODW's doors after me.
Join Us in Supporting Migrant Domestic Workers Escaping Abuse
Migrant domestic workers who have fled abusive employment urgently need your help. They’ve left behind exploitation and are taking brave steps toward safety—but they need support for basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and counseling.
"With your donation, we can provide immediate relief and a pathway to rebuilding lives in dignity and safety."
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide essentials, temporary housing, job training, and emotional support. Together, we can offer a lifeline to those starting over.
Donate today to make an impact and be a part of their journey to freedom, recovery, and empowerment.
Comments