As I walk through the streets, I’m often met with a familiar gaze – one that assumes I’m uneducated, unhygienic, and a carrier of diseases. But is that truly who I am? As a domestic worker, I’ve faced my share of struggles, but I’m not defined by my circumstances. Yes, many of us come from impoverished backgrounds, and education was a luxury we couldn’t afford. But that doesn’t mean we’re any less deserving of respect and dignity. In fact, many of us are breaking free from the shackles of poverty, with our children receiving better education and our families slowly rising above the struggles. We’re not just domestic workers; we’re mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters. We have hopes, dreams, and aspirations, just like you. We celebrate festivals with the same fervour, and our families take pride in dressing up for special occasions. We’re not just faces in the crowd; we’re human beings with feelings and emotions.
But despite our progress, we’re still treated with disdain. We’re handed stale food, expired snacks, and tattered clothes. We’re expected to be grateful for these “gifts,” as if we’re beggars at the doorstep. But we’re not beggars; we’re hardworking individuals who deserve respect and dignity. I’m grateful for the few exceptions – employers who treat us with kindness, share their food with us, and give us decent clothes and utensils. But to the rest, I humbly request: please have some respect for us. We’re not just domestic workers; we’re human beings with hearts that beat, souls that yearn, and minds that think. Let’s break free from stereotypes and embrace our shared humanity. We’re all in this together, and it’s time we treated each other with kindness, respect, and dignity.
