Healing Growing and Speaking Up Together by Florence

Before I came to the UK, I never imagined that my life would take such a painful and yet transformative turn. When I first arrived, I was lost. I was traumatized. I suffered in silence—afraid, voiceless, and alone. I didn’t know there was a place like The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW). I didn’t know that we, domestic workers, could even have a voice.

For a long time, I felt like an orphan in this world—working long hours, enduring mistreatment, and carrying the burden of silence. I had no confidence, no strength, and no one to turn to. But then, I found The Voice of Domestic Workers—or maybe they found me. Either way, that was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

From the moment I stepped into VODW, I felt renewed. They didn’t just welcome me—they embraced me. They gave me back my voice. They held me when I couldn’t hold myself. They gave me the space to grow, to heal, and to speak. Slowly, I started to feel strong again.

Before, I couldn’t even speak in front of others. I was nervous, shaking, always afraid of being judged or silenced. But with the support of VODW, I began to find courage. Through their classes—ESOL, IT, Media and Communications, Financial Literacy, and now Future Revolution—I was empowered not just to survive, but to thrive.

VODW gave me the tools to turn my pain into purpose.

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to speak in interviews with BBC World Radio, appear in documentaries, and even visit Parliament to share my story with Members of Parliament. Can you imagine? From someone who once couldn’t look up, I now stand tall and speak face-to-face with journalists and leaders. That’s the power of community. That’s the power of VODW.

Most importantly, they provided the emotional and mental support I needed. I was tortured mentally, deeply traumatized from my past. But through counselling and the community, I found healing. I was no longer alone. I found sisters, mentors, and friends who became my UK family.

VODW also helped me with my visa, legal case, and work situation. Without them, I don’t know where I would be. That’s why I encourage every domestic worker out there: Don’t suffer in silence. Speak up. Reach out. Your voice is your power. Come to us, and you will find a home. You will find help.

Joining Future Voices and Future Revolution has brought me so much joy. Through these platforms, I can express myself freely and continue to share my story. I have learned that when I speak out, I not only heal myself—I give hope to others.

My dream is for all of us to be free, to be treated with dignity, and to be able to work without fear. I hope one day we can all renew our visas, visit our families back home, and continue building our lives here in the UK. We are ready to contribute, to pay taxes, and to live freely with respect and rights.

The Voice of Domestic Workers changed my life. They rescued me from what I called "prison work"—from the emotional and physical abuse, the depression, the endless days without hope. My eyes were dry from crying every single day. But VODW stepped in and said, “You matter.” And that’s when everything changed.

From a “nobody,” I became “somebody.” From silence, I found my voice. From hopelessness, I found purpose.

I pray every day for this beautiful organization—for our founder, our leaders, especially Marissa and Mimi, who welcomed me not by the colour of my skin, but with the warmth of a sister, a daughter, a colleague, and now, a family member. I cannot repay you, but I promise to carry forward what you gave me.

Today, I am Florence, but not the same Florence. I am new, I am empowered, and I am ready to stand with others, to lift them as I was lifted.

Together, we can.Thank you, The Voice of Domestic Workers—you gave me my name, my voice, and my life back.

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