Still Waiting, Still Rising: Our Song, Our Story

Every brick laid, every tear shed, every goodbye whispered at the airport—these are the quiet sacrifices domestic workers make every day. Behind closed doors and beneath the weight of silence, we carry the hopes of our families, the pain of separation, and the unshakable will to survive.

On International Domestic Workers Day, we raise our voices not only in protest, but in song.

Myra’s Story: A Childhood Interrupted

In the Philippines, Myra’s life was shaped by poverty and sacrifice. Her father, a fisherman who didn’t catch fish every day, could barely support the family. Myra stopped going to school in third grade. At age nine, she moved in with an aunt who treated her like a burden rather than a child. She was given less food, but more chores. By high school, she had returned home and started working. Her childhood never came back.

“Swing”: The Sound of Longing

I built our home with bleeding hands,Laid each brick with love and plans,You were my light, my reason why…Now I just talk to an empty sky.

“Swing” is the heart-song of mothers who left, who laboured, and who lost. It captures the grief of missing out—on birthdays, graduations, even final goodbyes.

It is not just a performance. It is lived experience.

Dannah’s Story: Abuse Behind Closed Doors

When her child was born sick, Dannah left for Dubai. With no legal documents, she had little choice but to accept what was offered. She worked 16-hour days with no rest. The children beat her. The employer branded her with a hot iron. Her silence was not consent—it was survival.

I’m still waiting at the door,Where your laughter lived before…But silence is all I know.

Florence’s Story: Promises Broken

Florence was promised a new start in London. Instead, her passport was taken, and she was made to work endless hours with little pay. The documents she signed in Kenya were a lie. Like so many others, Florence was exploited under the false promise of a better life.

Vangie’s Story: Grief in Isolation

When the pandemic hit, Vangie had no legal status, no healthcare, and no vaccine access. Then came the call—her son had passed away. She couldn’t return home. She couldn’t say goodbye.

With the support of The Voice of Domestic Workers, she began to heal. She became a leader, an advocate, a voice for others. But still, she waits for a visa that recognises her humanity: the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa.

So I sing here on this stage,Old and tired, full of ache,Not for gold, not for fame,Just to call out your name.

Why We Sing, Why We Speak

This International Domestic Workers Day, we are not just sharing sorrow—we are sharing strength. Through song and story, we are breaking through the walls of invisibility and shame.

We invite you to listen to our voices, to hear our truth, and to stand with us in the fight for justice, dignity, and recognition.

Because we are still waiting,But we are still rising.

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Join Us in Supporting Migrant Domestic Workers Escaping Abuse

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Migrant domestic workers who have fled abusive employment urgently need your help. They’ve left behind exploitation and are taking brave steps toward safety—but they need support for basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and counseling.

 "With your donation, we can provide immediate relief and a pathway to rebuilding lives in dignity and safety."

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide essentials, temporary housing, job training, and emotional support. Together, we can offer a lifeline to those starting over.

Donate today to make an impact and be a part of their journey to freedom, recovery, and empowerment.

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