by Jeanly
Growing up on a remote island, far removed from the chaos of modern life, I never imagined the path my life would take. From the simplicity of island life, where our days were filled with family, fishing, and education, to the harsh realities of working abroad, my journey has been one of struggle, survival, and ultimately, empowerment. But my story is not just about me—it's about the countless migrant workers who face exploitation and abuse in foreign lands, often without anyone to turn to. This is my call for change, and I hope my story inspires others to stand up for the rights and dignity of all domestic workers.
A journey from isolation to opportunity
I was raised on a small island with no electricity, no cars, and no paved roads. Despite our humble beginnings, my parents worked hard to ensure we received an education, which eventually led me to university and later to a job with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US-funded organisation focused on empowering communities to identify and solve their own needs. I believed in the power of community and self-sufficiency. I worked with communities to help them create their own solutions, giving them the tools and resources they needed to thrive. This experience taught me the importance of dignity and empowerment—a lesson that would become all the more relevant when I left home to work abroad.
The harsh reality of working abroad
Like many migrant workers, I left my home and family for what I believed would be a better opportunity abroad. But instead of opportunity, I found myself trapped in a cycle of exploitation. In Cyprus, I was hired as a factory worker but ended up working as a nanny, cleaner, and tutor for my employer, all for very little pay. The workload was overwhelming, and my rights as a worker were ignored. After my employer's divorce, I was let go, and I hoped for a better job. But my next employer turned out to be even worse. Confined to their home on my days off, I faced extreme workloads, and I watched as my co-worker was hospitalised due to the stress. When I was eventually brought to London by the same employer, things didn’t improve. They took advantage of me, thinking I had no one to turn to in a foreign land. I was overworked, underpaid, and treated like a prisoner in their home. I searched for help but no one responded to my pleas for help, but I didn’t give-up and discovered The Voice of Domestic Workers, a community that became my lifeline.
The importance of advocacy and solidarity
My story is not unique. Thousands of migrant domestic workers face similar challenges, often feeling isolated, voiceless, and powerless in foreign countries. We endure long hours, poor working conditions, and abusive employers, with little recourse to justice or support. We find ourselves stuck for many years in the system that temporarily protects us only - the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), an assessment that identifies whether or not a person is a victim of modern slavery and trafficking. When I found the Voice of Domestic Workers, I found not just a support network but a community of people who understood my struggles and were actively working to advocate for policy change to create a better work and living conditions for workers like me. This organisation provides resources, education, and a platform for migrant domestic workers to speak out against exploitation.Through their support, I have participated in various classes—IT, financial literacy, communication skills—that have empowered me to take control of my life and future. I am currently a participant of VODW Future Voices,a third collaboration training program of The Voice of Domestic Workers with Sounddelivery Media where I am trained to become a public spokesperson for migrant domestic workers and migrant workers. Together, we are working to raise awareness about the injustices faced by domestic workers and advocate for policies that protect our rights.
Why we must stand together
It is time for us to demand better protections for domestic workers. No one should have to endure exploitation, abuse, or neglect just to support our families. Governments must implement and enforce labour laws that safeguard the rights of migrant domestic workers by reinstating the original Overseas Overseas Domestic Worker Visa where domestic workers could renew visas, apply Indefinite Leave to remain and settle as British Citizens. Employers must be held accountable for fair wages, humane working conditions, and respect for their workers’ dignity. But real change requires collective action. We must amplify the voices of domestic workers, fight for policies that protect them, and stand in solidarity with those who cannot fight for themselves.
A call to action
If you are a migrant worker or know someone who is struggling, I encourage you to seek out support networks like the Voice of Domestic Workers. There is power in community, and no one should have to endure these struggles alone. For those who want to help, here are a few ways you can take action:
Support organisations: Donate to or volunteer with groups that advocate for domestic worker rights.
Raise awareness: Use your platforms to share stories like mine and raise awareness about the issues faced by migrant workers.
Lobby for change: Advocate for stronger rights and protections for domestic workers in your community and country. Contact local representatives and demand better labour laws.
Be an ally: If you employ domestic workers, ensure that they are treated fairly, paid a living wage, and have access to their rights as workers.
Why I’m speaking out
In sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to fight for change. Every domestic worker deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and together, we can build a more equitable world where exploitation is a thing of the past.
Let’s stand up for domestic workers—because when we uplift the most vulnerable among us, we create a better society for all.
About the author
Jean grew up as the fourth of six sisters in the Philippines, and thanks to a scholarship, she attended university and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting. She left home to work in Cyprus in 2020, and her employer brought her to the UK in 2023. Fortunately, she was able to escape the abusive situation with the help of the Voice of Domestic Workers, where she is now an active member, specifically involved in the education group.
Jean is part of the Future Voices programme, a unique leadership and training programme run in partnership between the Voice of Domestic Workers and Sounddelivery Media equipping a new network of migrant domestic workers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to share their stories, influence public opinion and advocate for change.
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