New Year Reflections for Domestic Workers Support, Resilience, and Solidarity By Muhdina

To all my fellow migrant and domestic workers, As the new year begins, my heart turns to you, to all of us who have left the warmth of home behind. We didn’t just carry our own dreams when we crossed borders; we carried the hopes of our families, our children, and the people who believe in us. We came to this new place with courage, faith, and the quiet determination to build a better life, even when the road is uncertain.

My wish for us this year begins with unity. Unity is our greatest strength. It’s found in the small moments when we check in on a neighbour who is feeling lonely, when we share a meal with someone who has little, or when we stand up for one another when things feel unfair or unsafe. In those moments, strangers become family. We remind each other that no one has to carry their struggles alone, and that together, we are stronger than fear, isolation, or hardship.

My second wish is empowerment. Empowerment doesn’t always come in big victories. Often, it lives in the brave, everyday choices we make, learning a new skill to grow in our work, asking questions instead of staying silent, or speaking up for our rights with respect and courage. Sometimes, empowerment is simply lifting up a friend who has lost confidence and reminding them of their worth.

Every step we take to better ourselves lifts the whole community. Our progress is never just personal, it becomes a light for someone else who is still finding their way. When one of us succeeds, it sends hope down the path for the next worker who follows.

And my third wish is kindness.

Kindness is the quiet magic that softens even the hardest days. It’s a gentle word to a co-worker who is overwhelmed, a helping hand for someone trying to understand a new system, or a patient ear for someone who is missing home. These small acts may seem simple, but they carry great power. They remind others and ourselves that no matter where we go, we bring goodness with us.

We are more than our jobs. We are more than the distance from home. We are resilient, loving, and capable people. Together, we can make even the most unfamiliar place feel a little more like home for each other.

From the bottom of my heart, I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the organisation that stood by me from day one. Thank you for believing in me when I had nothing. Thank you for feeding me, for giving me a warm space to sleep during my lowest days, and for continuing to support me as I wait for my visa. Especially to Ate Marissa Begonia, there are no words big enough to express my gratitude. I hope that one day, I can give back to you in the ways you truly deserve.

Lastly, I salute all Overseas Filipino Workers and migrant workers everywhere, those who sacrifice comfort, time, and closeness with their families just to give their loved ones a better life. Your strength does not go unseen. Your sacrifices matter. And your dreams are worth fighting for.

May this new year bring us protection, dignity, justice, and hope. And may we continue walking this journey together, united, empowered, and kind.

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