The Sounddelivery Media Spokesperson Network has become the backbone of our charity’s work and supporting other charities and organisations to develop their own networks of leaders with direct experience of social injustice is key to our mission. That’s why we are excited to announce a collaboration with The Voices of Domestic Workers to develop their own network of Future Voices.
We first came across this charity through their founder Marissa Begonia. Marissa spoke at an event sounddelivery organised sharing her experience of being a migrant domestic worker and putting the spotlight on the effects of government policy.
The Voice of Domestic Workers is an education and support group calling for justice and rights for Britain’s sixteen thousand migrant domestic workers. They provide educational and community activities for domestic workers – including English language lessons, drama and art classes, and employment advice, and provide support for domestic workers who exit from abusive employers. Their work seeks to end discrimination and protect migrant domestic workers living in the UK by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare and legal advice.
Speaking out about their work, sharing their stories and experiences is vital if we are to address the injustice many of their network are facing. Migrant Domestic Workers are one of the most vulnerable groups of workers. Removing their rights in 2012 has left them unprotected, powerless and in severe exploitative work condition. When their employers stopped them from working without notice and pay during the Covid19 lockdown they couldn’t claim their unpaid wages, many were afraid to go to the hospital when infected by the virus. When parents and children were all at home during the lockdown, they worked up to 24 hours per day. They are essential workers. Domestic work is work, and they should be protected as workers.
Migrant domestic workers need to be part of the conversations that affect them, and have a seat around the table to influence change. This new training programme aims to equip a new network of 12 Migrant Domestic Workers with the skills and confidence to share their experiences, have their expertise heard more widely and ultimately drive public awareness and policy change.
We want to introduce you to the Future Voices and why they are joining the programme
Renera Ichon (Nera)
“I want to develop more confidence to use my voice to speak out for myself and other domestic workers in front of people, the government, journalists and on social media”
Nerisa Valerio
“I want to raise awareness about the plight of migrant domestic workers in the UK and to improve their social protection. I want the government to recognise domestic work as decent work.”
Wendelyn Nova
“I want to be a social media Influencer where I can raise awareness of important issues and advocate for the rights of domestic workers everywhere”
Sahara Mamatas
“I want to create a network for Migrant Domestic Workers that will help keep us safe, protect our rights and to be able to provide immediate assistance when needed.”
Marigold Balquen (Gigi)
“I am a woman with a voice. I want to raise my voice so that those WITHOUT A Voice can be heard”
Mimi Jalmasco
“I want to challenge the wrong and inhumane system. I want to be an instrument to restore all the rights of domestic workers, give them justice and freedom not as victims but as workers with dignity.”
Jenny Abenoja
“Having a clear understanding, knowledge and skills to become a public spokeswoman will enable me to promote the importance of migrant domestic workers in the care economy and their well-being so the government and wider public will honour and respect us.”
Dotty Fernandes
“I want to raise awareness about the plight of migrant domestic workers in the UK and to improve their social protection. I want the government to recognise domestic work as decent work.”
Dareen Pahayahay
“I want to help domestic workers who are suffering from abuse and use my knowledge to help solve their issues so they can carry on with their lives and work in safety”
Demetrio Masupil
“I want to become a voice for the voiceless and to create more visibility and awareness of migrant domestic workers lives and experiences to help overcome the injustices that they face”
Grace Nine
“I want to be a voice for people who can’t speak freely. I want to be confident in fighting for our rights as migrant domestic workers and as human beings.”
Fawzia Zahria
“I want to play my part to secure legal rights for migrant domestic workers that are fit for purpose. I want to be a positive inspiration to fellow domestic workers so we can be part of a bigger voice with a positive impact”
We really look forward to working closely with Marissa and the Future Voices network. We also want to say a huge thank you to the funders who’ve supported this programme; The Tudor Trust, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Porticus, The Sister’s Trust and Trust for London.
Do follow the programme updates #VODWFutureVoices