Standing Together With Other Domestic Workers Made Me Stronger Than I Knew By Lala
My life and work have grown this year through new experiences, new challenges, and new opportunities. What remains the same is my passion, my determination, and my commitment to making a positive impact, values I have carried with me through three to five years of being part of VODW.
Over the past year, I have developed greater confidence, patience, and resilience as a domestic worker. Being part of VODW has strengthened my understanding of unity, empowerment, advocacy, and the importance of standing up for the rights and dignity of domestic workers. My strength came from my own determination, from the support of my fellow domestic workers, and from the solidarity of VODW itself. Even in difficult moments, I reminded myself that my voice matters, my rights deserve respect, and my struggles can inspire change for others.
To me, VODW represents strength, solidarity, and empowerment. Being part of this community has strengthened my confidence, my leadership, and my determination to advocate for domestic workers' rights. I have learned that our voices matter, our experiences have value, and together we have the power to create meaningful change. I am most proud of my resilience and my determination throughout my journey as a domestic worker in the UK. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, I have remained committed to working with dignity, standing up for my rights, and creating a better future. Being part of VODW has given me the confidence to speak up, share my experiences, and advocate for the rights and recognition of other domestic workers.
To anyone just starting out, I would encourage them to know their worth, understand their rights, and never be afraid to speak up for themselves. The journey may not always be easy, but they should never lose hope or allow anyone to take away their dignity. They deserve respect, fair treatment, and safe working conditions, and I would remind them that they are not alone, and together we are stronger.
For me, rest means having enough time to recover, care for myself, and enjoy life beyond work. Respect means being treated fairly, listened to, and valued for the work I do. Dignity means having my rights protected, being treated as an equal, and having the freedom to live without fear or discrimination. My work enables me to provide financial support and better opportunities for my loved ones, both in the UK and back home, and I maintain our relationship through regular calls, video chats, and messages, even though being away from family involves real emotional sacrifice.
As the holidays approach this year, I am grateful for my strength, my resilience, and the achievements I have made, and I am thankful for my family, the VODW community, and everyone who has supported my journey.
I hope the coming year brings greater opportunities, stronger voices, equal rights, and lasting dignity for all domestic workers, the very things VODW continues to campaign 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. I remain hopeful, determined, and confident about the future.
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