The Power of Community in Supporting Migrant Domestic Workers By Rolyn

When I look back at my childhood, I remember hardship. I remember poverty. I remember what it felt like to struggle every single day just to survive. There were moments when I felt completely alone, with no one to rely on, no one to guide me, and no one to tell me that things would get better. I grew up fighting silently, imagining what might exist on the other side of suffering. That was what pushed me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life, to work abroad as a domestic worker.

At first, I believed it would be my turning point. And in many ways, it was. But not in the way I expected. My journey twisted in directions I never saw coming. There were ups and downs, but more downs than I could count. Tears fell quietly at night. My body grew exhausted from endless tasks. My heart ached with longing for my family back home. And inside the house where I worked, I had no voice. I had no right to question, no power to refuse, no freedom to defend myself against abuse. I felt small. I felt scared. I felt invisible. And most painful of all, I felt alone. Without friends. Without supporters. Without anyone to tell me that what I was experiencing was wrong.

When my employer brought me to the UK, something changed. For the first time, I saw a small window of opportunity. I found the courage to escape. And in that moment of fear and uncertainty, I found something I never expected, I found a community. I found The Voice of Domestic Workers. This extraordinary organisation became more than support. It became my refuge. My healing place. My protection. The people I met there were not just advocates, they became my friends, my sisters, my mothers. They listened to my story without judgment. They believed me. They reminded me that I mattered.

Support gives courage and safety because you are no longer alone. Through this community, I slowly rebuilt myself. They gave me hope when I had none. They gave me wisdom and knowledge about my rights. They helped me regain confidence that abuse had tried to destroy. They taught me how to stand up, not only for myself, but for other migrant domestic workers who are still trapped in silence.

Having friends and supporters in the community is like finding fresh water after living on a deserted island. Without them, life feels empty and frightening. There is no shoulder to cry on. No one to share your pain with. No one to celebrate your small victories. No one to remind you that you are human.

Community support does something that policies alone cannot do. Government protection is important, yes, but laws on paper cannot hold your hand when you are crying. Policies cannot sit beside you and tell you that you are brave. Community support brings warmth, understanding, and shared experience. It is powerful because it is human. When domestic workers have friends and supporters, they feel safer. They know someone will stand with them if they speak out. That safety gives them courage. Courage to report abuse. Courage to demand fair treatment. Courage to believe they deserve better. Community turns fear into strength.

Today, I am deeply grateful to be part of this family. To the teachers and mentors who encouraged me to raise my voice and let the world hear my story, thank you. You helped me transform pain into purpose. You helped me find power in my voice. The Voice of Domestic Workers did not just support me. It reshaped me. It helped me see that I am not alone, that my story matters, and that together we are stronger. Together, we will rise. Together, we will fight. And together, we will take back what was stolen from us, our dignity, our rights, and our voice.

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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.

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