The Culture X- Initiative organised the Portraits of HOME project in partnership with HOME Singapore. The project displays a group of women who play dual roles in their lives; they are Domestic Workers who make an impact in other people’s lives through their hearts and with beautiful talents.

     Who’s behind the Culture X- Initiative? Photographer Jasbir John Singh came up with the plan for these photo-shoots that were inspired by the respective stories of the women themselves. Jasbir identifies his work to be artistically driven and humanitarian by nature. He specializes in social documentaries and street photography. He has also produced several award- winning fine art photo series which he calls Visual Poetry. The Culture X- Initiative has also worked with Documentary Photography project with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Portraits of HOME show  6 remarkably talented women who have a big influence in their community.  

                                                                                       

1- Istri Yanti, The Photographer.

Yanti is an Indonesian domestic worker in Singapore, 38 years old, a single mother. She wanted to provide a better life for her family. After she completed her contract with her 1st employer she found out that her employers kept a weighty secret from her: Her 8 months old baby under her family care back in Indonesia had passed away. This was kept from her for 2 years! 

I can imagine how hard this must be to Yanti as I am a mother too. Her employers point of view was that losing a child is a foreseeable distraction and not a misery. So they kept it a secret. How cruel the employers are!? What if this happened to them, how would they feel? The beautiful part of Yanti’s recovery is she developed an enormous love for photography. She uses her hobby as a means to give back to her community. She enjoys taking photos of Migrant Domestic Workers (MDM) who are graduating in their HOME Academy classes and that makes her feel good and proud. And, she joins photography competitions  and received awards.                                              

2-Novia Arluma, The Changemaker.

“Even if I cannot change policies, I will still be happy to contribute towards protecting my fellow MDW’s.”

This is Novia’s perspective. Novia is also a Domestic Worker from Indonesia. She volunteers at HOME’s Indonesian Helpdesk and advocates fer domestic worker’s rights in both Singapore and IndonesiaShe is a political blogger who tries to improve policies relating to MDW’s , as well as an MDW herself would come around?  Our biggest take away from Novia’s story is her unbound willingness to commit to a mission. Her story is not only inspiring but also filled with lessons for all of us: That we can do so much more to help each other if we set our minds to it.               

3- Bhing Navato, The Poet.

“I used my past experiences to tell stories and to express myself.” 

Bhing, a domestic worker from the Philippines and volunteer at HOME’s helpdesk, was subjected to mental and verbal abuse in some of her earlier employments. She would always hear herself being called “stupid” and be put through all sorts of vulgarities flipped at her for the smallest mistakes.  Although Bhing is not working for the same employers anymore, the thought that maybe one day she will cross paths with them still scares her till today.  Her coping channel is through her poetry where she can express herself.   

4- Kina Pitono, The Teacher.

“I volunteered to teach English to other MDW’s.”

 The 1st time Kina arrived in Singapore from Indonesia, she could barely speak English. But because of determination and willingness to learn, she sacrificed her day offs and took English courses. Her employers were very supportive. In 2014, Kina graduated with a Specialist Diploma in English Language.  She started teaching English to her fellow MDW’s with HOME SG on her days off. According to Kina, she enjoys teaching, so she is not sacrificing, rather, it’s her hobby.                                                                                                                                 

5- Nina Rotelo- The Kind.

“The work I do may not mean much to others but for my family, it is everything.”

Despite being a teacher in the Philippines, Nina  quit her job as a teacher, packed her bags, came to Singapore and work as a domestic worker. She wanted her siblings to have the best education possible and could provide for them better with the higher salary she could earn as a domestic worker.

 She believes in doing the right thing even if it means making some big sacrifices. Her time in Singapore has been a positive one. Her job as a domestic worker has allowed her to raise a family of graduates who are now living flourishing lives.

6- Jo Ann Dumlao, The Bold.

“I believe in standing up for others and for myself.”

In her 13 years working as an MDW, Jo-Ann has encountered different kinds of employers, experiences and problems and was once on the verge of giving up. She worked only for 3 months in her 1st employer. The moment she entered her employers house, most of her things were confiscated – except for her watch. No day off, $20 a month but the Ahma (grandma) had to keep it, could have her phone on Saturday till Monday morning only ( Ahma kept it). But, Jo Ann fights the good fight. She transferred to another employer.

Many people underestimate how empowering simple a act of kindness can be. Jo Ann worked with a kind and understanding employer who helped her manage herself better even.  Like the other 5 women mentioned above and many more unsung heros, Jo Ann works tirelessly to make the lives of MDWs better with compassion and a good dose of humour.

MDW’s should have the courage to express their opinions to their employers. Communication with the employer is very important and it should be done with respect and openness on both sides. In every story there’s always a good and a bad side but in the end, a lesson is always there that we all can learn from. These are the women who are brave enough to share their stories.  To read their whole story, visit The Culture X Initiative FB page or Instagram the_culture_x_initiative.

Article by Jo-Ann Dumlao

Look What You Have Done to Us

By Jo Ann Dumlao

We  Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) are living with the scare of COVID-19 just like everyone else. But at the same time, for us, it is not like for everyone else.

All of us are living in a different reality right now. Work places and offices are closed, shops and roads are empty. We are all asked to stay home. How is that impacting our daily life?

Ironically, domestic workers are protected financially because we are working from home already. We have been living in isolation for years, locked down, some even locked up; all because we want to give our families a better life. But on the other side, we are not at our own home, we are away from our love ones, unable to be with them in a time of need.  Imagine not being allowed to go home to a funeral of a love one?

Does this mean we cope easier in the current situation? I don’t think so. Being used to a pain doesn’t make the pain less, it is still the same pain as for another person. Maybe it does help us to understand it better, and maybe that helps us deal with it better in the long term. But the pain of isolation the Corona virus- COVID-19 is inflicting on us is a pain none of us should  have to deal with.

As an MDW, I chose to inflict this pain on myself as a normal part of my daily life….So yes, MDWs have some prior exposure to being “locked down” but that just puts us in a better position to deal with the stress and emotions the rest of the world is experiencing. I wish we would all have the privilege of being locked down with our loved ones. For us MDWs, we can not. That is stressful but survivable.

I had some conversations with my fellow domestic workers and they shared their feelings, and experiences that this scary COVID-19 has inflected on their lives.

Daisy is a widowed mother, she sacrificed a lot and now has adult children. She has been working for 12 years as an MDW and her 2 children are both professionals already: her son a Police Officer and her daughter a Medical Technologist. Since this pandemic erupted, every week is a nerve wrecking one for her, day by day Daisy prays hard that her daughter is safe while doing her duty. Her daughter as a MedTech is in close contact with patients every day, and there was one patient who just came from an overseas holiday in Italy and didn’t declare it. A concerned citizen informed the Medical Staff of the Rural Health Unit (RHU) about the patient’s travel history. That alarmed the whole RHU as it put many of the staff at risk.  At the time of writing this, the patient is still a Person Under Investigation (PUI). Being a mom, I can comprehend how Daisy is feeling right now: scared to the bone. We are all hoping and praying for the best results, not just for Daisy’s daughter but for everyone in the community.

Ate Lita has been saving every penny she can, so she can bring her son over for a holiday. “My son is so excited, I was in high spirits and set to go home on the 31st of March. I would be attending my son Moving Up Ceremony of Grade 10. And after 3 days I would be flying back to Singapore with him. It was our long awaited journey together to Singapore. We have been looking forward to this holiday for a very long time. But because of COVID-19, the happiness and excitement have turned to disappointment and sadness. Every single plan had to be canceled. What can we do? Being safe and being healthy is what matters most in this health crisis. We pray that all this will end soon, that everything will be back to normal soon”.

I also spoke to beautiful bride to be Rei. “I can hear the church bells ringing, it sounds like music to my ears. My heart skips a beat – I’m nervous and excited! You sure it’s still beating? Am I not dreaming, no, I am wide awake, I am sure of that! These were the scenarios playing in my mind. I have waited for so long and so has my boyfriend, for this wonderful couple moment that is going to happen- from planning to reality. Walking with my boyfriend’s hand in mine, and mine in his. But then everything turned upside down because of COVID-19! Yes, my boyfriend and I planned tying the knot this 15th of April, we both went back home (he is working in Dubai) last year to arrange everything for our big day. I can’t stop the tears flowing abundantly from my eyes, feeling frustrated, devastated, feeling down … It is all I can think now and I told my boyfriend also that, maybe God has other plans for us, maybe it’s not the right time yet (though we’ve been together for 4 years). I know that the rainbow will come out soon, will give colour again to our quarantined life”.  A very emotional Rei , but she is still full of hope.

And it’s Ate Tess story that is the most heartbreaking, I get misty-eyed listening to it. “I am hugging myself, holding my mother’s picture right to my heart while tears are unstoppably running down my cheeks”, Ate Tess said. (Ate is a Tagalong expression that means “like an elder sister”).  Her elderly mother died and there’s no way she can go home and attend the wake and funeral. Every year Ate Tess goes home for her mom’s birthday, but this time she was not able to go home and see her mom for the last time. How painful it must be –  I hug Ate to comfort her. Sometimes a hug is more powerful , and needed despite social distancing. “If only I had lots of money, I would take the risk of going home and not coming back anymore”, an emotional Tess added. COVID-19 has stopped Tess going home in this most painful of moments.

Hearing their stories and trying to put myself in their situations, it crushes me.

How does it affect me? Honestly, it is scares me and still (sometimes when am out for grocery shopping) makes me feel uncomfortable. I have to stop, take a deep breath and take a hard look at my own life as a mom away from her 3 children; as a daughter away from her elderly and sickly mom; as an elder sister away from her brother and sister. As if I am into darkness feeling anxiety, scared, uncomfortable, suspicious and angry. The moment I heard that there’s a case of Person Under Investigation (PUI) in the condo where I am staying, the next block to ours, my first thought was – “I am not ready to die yet, I am away from my children.” Yes, that sounds like overreacting, but I don’t care, I have so many mixed emotions that I can hardly get a decent sleep at night. I know that I am walking with God, He is my yardstick that I and my family are surrounded with His love and protection. I keep all this in my mind every time I open my eyes for a new day and as I close my eyes at night to sleep.

I hope and fervently pray that this pandemic will end soon, no more pains and sorrows.

This Corona virus is affecting us globally. Don’t forget your self-care routines these days. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap, wear a face mask if you are unwell, practice good hygiene and social distancing.

Let’s help the government, let’s do our part to fight this COVID-19, Stay at Home. Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

 

JO ANN A. DUMLAO

Writer

Migrant Domestic Worker

The situations described below happened in the last few weeks, and in the meanwhile rules keep changing. Please refer to government websites for up to date information and read this message on our HOME website. If you have any concerns, please contact the HOME helpdesk.

Image by IG-  india fights covid

COVID-19 has created chaos across the world. All countries are fighting the viral pandemic and try to stop the spreading the virus and keep their people safe. Just like in Singapore: new regulations are made according to the changing conditions continuously. But there is a lot of misinformation and most people find it hard to keep track.

Due to lock downs and travel restrictions many people find themselves without income. Everyone is affected, including foreign domestic workers. And as usually, it is the most vulnerable that suffer the most. But this is not the right time to talk with loud voices and anger. Instead, Novia Arluma, one of HOME helpdesk volunteers, shares some real-life stories of how COVID-19 created problems for some domestic workers and how she tries to help by supplying them with correct and up to date information.

The situations described below happened in the last few weeks, and in the meanwhile rules keep changing. Please refer to government websites for up to date information and read this message on our HOME website. If you have any concerns, please contact the HOME helpdesk.

JOB LOST ON HOME LEAVE

Last Sunday I was in a workshop as part as my volunteer activity with HOME when someone called me from my country, Indonesia. Unfortunately, I was unable to pick up the call. Then, I got a text message and I could feel that who sent it was in panic and shock, she didn’t know what to do. The woman is my fellow domestic worker, who is on home leave after renewing her contract with the same employer. Earlier, she had told me about her employer’s offer for her new salary, which she agreed with and then happily took her home leave to visit her family.

Just after 3 days at home, her employer called her and said that they chose to cancel her work permit, for safety reasons. I felt sorry for her, knowing it was unfair, but I also know that we can’t do much about these situations. I know that she is allowed to come back to Singapore, as long her employer takes their responsibility. They can either allow her to serve her ‘Stay Home Notice’ in their house, or if they can afford it, find her other accommodation for the 14 days isolation required by the government. But her employer did seem not willing to work on it; they did not want to take the risk. The domestic worker was shocked, sad; feeling lost and angry at the same time. She feels helpless and is still trying to figure out what happened to her, why she lost her job.

MANY CONFUSED WHEN STUCK IN HOME COUNTRY DURING LEAVE

Meanwhile, there are many other domestic workers who are still waiting nervously, unsure whether they can come back to continue their jobs. Because the employer can’t find accommodation for them to serve the home leave. Or because flights have been cancelled.

My fellow domestic workers on home leave feel distressed. They are confused about the information given, which is often conflicting and changing all the time. They are still trying to understand information that they just received, when new information and new regulations come in already. And some are making things worse, by spreading more information than just the actual regulations itself. Like claiming you can be blacklisted or banned from working in Singapore, without explaining in detail about when or why this can happen.

I am fully aware that many domestic workers do not fully understand the information and regulations available. At our Indonesian Helpdesk, I try to focus on those who do not really understand what is going on. I focus on those who are not free to use their mobile phone, and therefore not always have access to the right information. I do not want them to be in a blank, because that will make them feel unsafe.

I have to do something to counter this situation.

NOT UNDERSTANDING REGULATIONS LEADS TO STRESS

I receive a lot of questions regarding COVID-19 issues trough messages, and I do not have enough time to answer one by one: I also have my own job as I work as a domestic worker myself too. The questions I receive are similar, and I also observe on social media how domestic workers panic when they are given updates of new regulations by their friends, without any explanation. Different reactions and expressions can be seen. There is anger …sadness …fear …stress and a feeling of unsafety.

So I am starting to put together all the information I have about the COVID-19 issue, both in Singapore and Indonesia. And all the regulations specifically for migrant workers that we have to know. I connect the questions and the answers, including the reasons behind. I try to give the best advice I can give them, advice for the sake of everyone’s safety. But still, even when they have the information, I notice they need more: they need to feel that we are there to listen to them and understand their feelings.

My concern is now, that I want to help calm my fellow domestic workers down. I want them to be aware that COVID-19 is a serious issue, that everyone should take it seriously. But yet … we should not panic.

So when I hear about a problem of a domestic worker that is stranded in her home country, I try to look at it from different angles. Both that of the worker and that of the employer. Because the employers do not find this easy either, they have to pay for expensive accommodation or multiple air tickets when earlier ones have been cancelled. Honestly, it’s hard for both sides. And unfortunately, we cannot do much but to follow the regulations, for the sake of everyone. All of us have to fight COVID-19 together.  So I ask my fellow DWs to be patient. I tell them I understand what they are feeling.

On the other hand, I also see some employers trying to take advantage of the situation. They do not allow their domestic workers to have a day off, and do not want to pay the compensation. Some need to stay home but they have no own room, no privacy at all.

I HOPE EMPLOYERS UNDERSTAND WHAT WE FEEL

By telling these stories about Domestic Workers feelings, I hope that people out there, particularly employers, will understand us better. We try our best to understand your concerns too. We try our best to understand why certain regulations are made. But it is also the job of employers to explain the reasons behind their decisions. Employers should talk to us in a nice way, explain their concerns and reasoning. I am sure that with simple explaining and good communications between employer and domestic worker, everyone can come to an agreement in a respectful way.

We all understand that we have to do our part to fight the virus.

 

Foreign Domestic Workers are strongly encouraged to stay at home on their rest day. Employers should not assign work to FDW’s on rest day or they can compensate in lieu.

– MOM notice

With notices about COVID-19 situation from MOM regarding domestic workers rest day, many domestic workers are now worried if they can still have days off. 

Many employers asked their domestic worker to stay home because of the current COVID-19 situation.  The number of infected people are increasing everyday, and they are worried that their domestic worker will get the virus. Mainly because they can see the way domestic workers mingle with each other.  This situation now has become the problem of  many domestic workers. Their rest day is the only time they can do their personal errands; like sending money to their families, buying their personal necessities and meeting friends. Though MOM suggests that they can do their errands on weekdays when places are less crowded, it is still different to when they go out on their rest day.  This is the time too when they are free of work, fully relaxed. 

Many domestic workers worry that when they stay home on their rest days, they will continue working without compensation. This can happen to domestic workers who do not have their own rooms or personal space. They will be forced to work, since they have nowhere to go to.  Being at home with their employer will surely feel like just another working day. Some employers  offer compensation to make it easier for their domestic workers to choose to stay at home. 

Let’s take my own employer as an example. They talked to me about the importance of staying away from the crowded areas like Orchard Road, and said it might be better to stay home. I did not understand it at first. I told them, that I know how to take care of my self and practice social distancing. But after a while, when we talked about it again, I realised their concerns were not only for them, but for me as well. It was not about stopping me from my normal Sunday activities. It was purely about safety for all of us. If I refrained from doing my activities for a while, I will be safer.

Anyway, there are alternatives that I can do if I choose to stay home or to go out. In our conversation, my employer and I discussed what I can do if I stay home. They gave me choices like, I can stay home and sleep as much as I want. I can do my writings, exercise, or swim. I f I want to cook or bake, they will buy what I need. And if I choose to do some work, they will compensate me.

I tried it. The following Sunday, I would have preferred to go out. But this time, I let them know where I was, so they would not be worried. I did not go to my volunteer activities, nor to church, as both would involved being around a large number of people. I stayed around our building and saw some of my friends in the condo. We had all chosen to go out of the house, but stayed in our area. I think we all felt the same: that it was good to be away from our working place for a while, to have some time for ourselves. Staying close to home is something new for me but I know it is for my own good. I enjoyed my Sunday. 

Discussion between employers and domestic workers regarding this current situation is important to understand one another. Apparently, not all employers are like mine, they don’t explain their reasoning. And we domestic workers, do not have a power of negotiation. No matter what we say, it is seldom taken into consideration. There are times that we don’t have a choice but to say “Yes” to avoid arguments.  Some  domestic workers might insists on going out because this is the only day they can be away from work. I hope employers will try to  understand them.  They must explain properly to their domestic workers why it is needed to stay home.

Domestic workers should understand their employers too. Safety is for everyone who lives in the house, particularly if there are elderly or otherwise vulnerable people in the house. If you are allowed to go out, refrain from going to crowded places. Especially avoid gatherings  in big groups or having picnics for now. We should follow social distancing guidelines. Go out only if you need to do something very important.

The Ministry of Manpower is strengthening inspection and law enforcement. If we do not follow, our work permit might be revoked. Remember there are many countries right now that are in total lock down, where nobody is allowed to go out at all. If we practice social distancing diligently now, maybe in Singapore it does not have to come that far.

I know this current situation on COVID-19 is difficult for everyone. But this too shall pass and one day, our days off will be back to normal.

 

By Robina (Bhing) Navato

(Featured Image by Straits Times)