Families in Singapore who employ domestic helpers share their homes and their lives with these women — some for years before they go back to their families. But how many of us actually take the time to talk to them beyond household chores, to listen to their life stories?
Well, local charity Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) is unearthing these untold tales in its first publication titled Our Homes, Our Stories. Written by migrant domestic workers, the book chronicles 28 compelling real-life stories of these women, from childhoods in rural villages to dealing with unscrupulous agents and difficult employers to the heartbreak of leaving families behind in Indonesia, Myanmar, India, and the Philippines.
Tough issues like sacrifice, broken trust, exploitation, and salary deductions are explored with candid honesty, alongside uplifting tales of supportive employers, loving families, and future dreams. Penned by domestic worker volunteers and residents of the HOME shelter for runaway domestic workers, the book gives a voice to the women you see everywhere in Singapore, but rarely hear from.
If you’d like to meet the writers, hear them read their work, and pick up a copy, head over to Hollandse Club on Mar. 11 to join them at the book launch. Otherwise, the book will be on sale from Mar. 8 (International Women’s Day) at HOME and selected bookstores.
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