by Mary Queen
Content warning: this article contains mention of abuse and assault.
In the quiet corners of IloIlo, Philippines, my life was shaped by the struggle of a family dependent on a small inherited farm. My father was a farmer, and my mother was a housewife. Together, they faced daily hardships, and only managed to provide for their children's education until secondary school. Disagreements between my parents led to separation, and my siblings and I had to look after each other together to survive.
With my plans of higher education shattered, I took on various jobs, from a sales representative to a janitor in a shopping mall, and eventually as a domestic worker. Life took an unexpected turn when I met my husband, which led to our marriage and the birth of our six children. However, our financial struggles persisted, prompting me to seek opportunities beyond the borders of my homeland.
In 2018, the promise of work in Dubai seemed like a lifeline. Little did I know, this journey marked the beginning of a dark chapter in my life. Employed by a well-connected, rich and powerful family, I found myself locked away, subjected to verbal abuse, and denied the promised salary. My hope for reprieve during the pandemic was lost when my employers moved to the UK, keeping me confined and powerless.
Amid the luxury and opulence of my employers' residences, I faced the harsh reality of modern slavery and violence. The abuse reached a horrifying peak when I was violently attacked by my employer's son. This was witnessed by a fellow domestic worker who, like me, lived in fear of retaliation.
The turning point in my ordeal came with the intervention of The Voice of Domestic Workers and the courage of the organisation’s founder Marissa Begonia. Before I escaped, I had no idea that an organisation like VODW even existed. I learned about VODW through a colleague who told me about how VODW helped people in similar situations.
Their support allowed me to escape my abusers during a trip to the airport when my employer tried to send me home, an attempt to silence me from the crime they committed against me. I know, the road to justice is too long but I believe justice will be served. The escape, while daring, highlighted the pervasive nature of modern slavery even within affluent households.
After leaving that difficult situation and becoming part of VODW, I experienced a mix of emotions—relief, hope, and a sense of empowerment I hadn’t felt in years. VODW has given me the support I needed to rebuild my life and the courage to stand up for myself and others who have faced similar hardships. Through this organisation, I’ve found a community where I feel heard, valued, and supported. More than just a place of refuge, VODW has given me a renewed sense of purpose. I now have the chance to help raise awareness, amplify the voices of domestic workers, and advocate for their rights, which are often ignored or overlooked.
Additionally, I am part of the Future Voices program, a unique leadership and training initiative created in partnership between VODW and Sounddelivery Media. It has been an empowering experience that allows me to actively contribute to making a difference, not only in my own life but in the lives of countless others who continue to face exploitation and mistreatment.
My story is a stark reminder that modern slavery knows no boundaries. It thrives in the shadows, hidden behind the facades of luxury and privilege. I would like those reading my story to know that it is imperative to raise awareness, dismantle systemic structures, and advocate for the rights of vulnerable migrant workers who often suffer in silence.
By being part of this movement, I feel that I am not just a survivor of my past but also a force for change, working to build a future where domestic workers are respected, protected, and given the recognition they deserve.
About the Author
Mary was born in IloIlo in the Philippines. She is married with 6 children. She previously worked abroad in Dubai before her wealthy employer brought her to the UK. She and her colleagues sought help from The Voice of Domestic Workers, who brought them to safety. Mary became an active member of the charity and is now the leader of the Education Working Group of VODW.
Mary 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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