Domestic Workers Revive Suffragette‑Style Protest to Mark 14 Years Without Rights

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 thousands of women—mostly migrant women of colour—without the right to renew the overseas domestic worker visa, without safety, and without a pathway to justice.

Organised by The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW), the protest draws a direct line between the historic struggle of the suffragettes and the ongoing fight for domestic workers’ rights today.

A Protest That Cannot Move - Because the Law Hasn’t Moved Since 2012

Participants will stand in complete stillness, dressed in the iconic colours of the suffragette movement - purple, white, and green - holding placards marking each year since rights were removed. The final placard reads:

“14 YEARS WITHOUT RIGHTS.”

This static formation symbolises the legal paralysis imposed on domestic workers since 2012, when the right to change employer was removed, trapping many in abusive and exploitative conditions.

“The women who won rights in 1918 would stand with us today.”

“Domestic workers are the backbone of thousands of UK households. We care for children, elders, and families, yet we have been denied the most basic rights for 14 years. The suffragettes fought for women’s freedom and dignity. Today, we continue that struggle. We refuse to be invisible.”

“Restoring the Overseas Domestic Worker visa is not only a matter of policy, it is a matter of justice, safety, and humanity.”

A Call for Immediate Action

VODW is calling for the full restoration of rights that :

● The right to renew the overseas domestic worker visa

● The right to settlement visa

● Safe reporting mechanisms for exploitation

● A visa system that recognises domestic work as real work by ratifying the ILO C189, Decent Work for Domestic Workers

These changes are essential to preventing exploitation, forced labour, and abuse.

A Legacy of Women’s Resistance

The protest intentionally echoes the suffragette movement, reminding the public that women’s rights were won through collective action, courage, and refusal to be silenced.

By reviving suffragette symbolism, domestic workers assert their place in the long continuum of women fighting for justice in the UK.

Event Details

Date: 20 April 2026Time: 11.30 AM

Location: Old Palace Yard 

Visuals:

● Protesters in suffragette colours

● “14 Years Without Rights” static line

● Large banner: “Votes for Women. Rights for Migrant Domestic Workers.”

● Installation of white aprons representing domestic workers affected

About The Voice of Domestic Workers

The Voice of Domestic Workers is a grassroots organisation led by migrant domestic workers campaigning for rights, safety, and justice. Through advocacy, training, community support, and leadership development, VODW empowers domestic workers to speak out, organise, and shape policy change.

Press Contact

Name: Marissa Begonia

Email: info@thevoiceofdomesticworkers.comWebsite: www.thevoiceofdomesticworkers.com