
I am Mimi Jalmasco, a migrant domestic worker and a trustee of the charity, The Voice of Domestic Workers. Our organisation is a self-help group dedicated to campaigning for the rights of migrant domestic workers in the UK. We work tirelessly to rescue, educate, and empower domestic workers who have been subjected to abusive employment. By ensuring these workers have opportunities to develop their skills and receive proper investment, we aim to transform their lives and work conditions.
To achieve our mission, we offer an array of free classes, including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), IT skills, body and mind wellness, media and communication, and financial literacy. These educational initiatives are designed to enhance the professional and personal development of migrant domestic workers. Recognizing the importance of mental health, we also provide free counselling services to help those who have suffered trauma, ensuring their well-being is prioritised.
In addition to our educational and support services, we conduct workshops and training sessions, collaborating with other organisations, media outlets, and researchers from various universities. Through these efforts, we not only empower migrant domestic workers but also educate them about their rights as workers in the UK. Our partnerships amplify our reach and effectiveness, enabling us to advocate more powerfully for change.
I have actively contributed as a co-researcher in several impactful studies, most notably the Reintegration Research conducted in collaboration with Kings College. This research is pivotal, providing essential evidence for the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), human rights, and asylum cases involving our members. By focusing on the lives of Filipino survivors reintegrating into the Philippines, the study underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to support these individuals effectively. The findings highlight the challenges faced by survivors, including social, economic, and psychological barriers, and advocate for comprehensive policies and programs to facilitate their successful reintegration and uphold their human rights.
One of the most transformative initiatives I've been involved with is the Future Voices program, a collaboration between The Voice of Domestic Workers and SoundDelivery Media. Over the past three years, this program has empowered 12 public spokespersons annually, resulting in a robust cohort of 36 passionate advocates. As a pilot of this program and a former International Migrant Ambassador, I reflect with pride on our journey and achievements.
The Future Voices program is designed to enhance the skills of domestic workers by equipping us with essential communication tools and opportunities to share our experiences. Participants receive training in public speaking, media engagement, and advocacy, which enables them to articulate their stories and the challenges faced within the domestic work sector. Through this program, I've built a vast network of like-minded advocates and achieved significant media exposure, including interviews on BBC Radio 1, Channel 4, and other platforms. This exposure has been instrumental in amplifying our voices and bringing critical attention to the issues affecting domestic workers.
The impact of this program is profound, fostering both individual growth and a collective voice that empowers us to advocate for change within the industry. As we continue to expand our reach and influence, we remain committed to uplifting and supporting domestic workers, ensuring our stories are heard and our rights upheld.
As a migrant domestic worker with lived experience, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities in our field. It is crucial for individuals with lived experience to recognize their skills and abilities, and to have access to education and training, such as language classes to improve communication skills. Language barriers often hinder our progress, and accessible certification courses can open new doors. Ensuring that people with lived experience have a voice in policy discussions that affect their lives and work is essential.
We also organise events where workers can meet potential employers, industry professionals, and peers to build a supportive community and opportunities. Access to counselling services helps these individuals cope with stress and trauma, while free or affordable legal services assist them in resolving disputes with employers or navigating immigration issues.
All of our efforts at The Voice of Domestic Workers are aligned with these goals. We strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for migrant domestic workers, advocating for their rights and ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive in the UK.
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