I am a migrant domestic worker myself and like fellow domestic workers I also suffered different forms of abuse like long hours of work, no day off and no salary and because of these abuse and exploitation I also exited from abusive employment.
I know exactly how it feels to be at risks of destitution and to be unaware of my rights. When I met my fellow domestic workers, I realised I wasn't alone and it shocked me that there are more severe exploitation that my fellow domestic workers suffered like sexual abuse, physical and mental torture and I asked myself, 'why I am doing nothing?' and realised the need for us to embrace one another and group together so we could be stronger and fight together and this was how The Voice of Domestic Workers (VODW) was established.
For many Years, we have helped and supported hundreds of migrant domestic workers (mdws) who have fled rom abuse and exploitation and rescued by our team, this is an emergency that we have to respond immediately. The moment we found them, we have to provide temporary accommodation, food, clothes and travel allowance to find job so they can rebuild their lives. We also prepared them for job interviews and provide education and training such as English class, IT Computer, Financial Literacy, Body, Mind and Wellness Workshop and Future Voices so they can be empowered to be the frontline voices of their own rights. VODW has 5 Working Groups - Education, Fundraising, Trade Union, Media & Communication and Welfare Working Groups. The members can choose where they could be participate actively.
We empowered our members to reclaim their rights both as workers and human beings. As a self-organised group of migrant domestic workers we run and led the day to day activities and services of VODW supported by our Trustees. VODW has two objects (1) the prevention and relief of poverty among migrant domestic workers and their dependants living (temporary or permanently) in the UK by means including but not limited to providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare and legal advice. (2) to preserve and protect the physical and mental health and of migrant domestic workers and their dependents living (temporary or permanently) in the UK.
VODW's ability to rescue over 50 migrant domestic workers annually speaks volume about the impact of our work. We have worked wholeheartedly and strongly in making tangible changes in the lives of domestic workers and with continued financial funding and commitment VODW will undoubtedly bring about even more positive change for migrant domestic workers.
For each migrant domestic worker (MDW), we provide £250 for essentials like food, clothing, and travel expenses to help them find a new job. If free accommodation isn't available, we also cover £250 for a rental room. Additionally, counseling support costs £60 per session, with each member who has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) receiving at least 8 sessions.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 50 MDWs x £250 (essentials) = £12,500
- 25 MDWs referred to free counseling services, including NHS
- 25 MDWs receiving 8 sessions of counseling each at £60/session = £12,000
- Other expenses = £500
Total: £25,000
