I didn’t realise at the time that I was developing and growing as a person every day I spent with the women in the Domestic Worker Action Group (DWAG). But I did realise I was slowly becoming a happy person after half a year of no socialising or even having a conversation, or enjoying as simple a thing as a laugh with friends. I began to shake of the shell I had been living in. I was now surrounded by people I could trust. They were my pillars of strength at the time and they continue to be so. I owe it to them all for the strength I have today.
I didn’t realise at the time that I was developing and growing as a person every day I spent with the women in the Domestic Worker Action Group (DWAG). But I did realise I was slowly becoming a happy person after half a year of no socialising or even having a conversation, or enjoying as simple a thing as a laugh with friends. I began to shake of the shell I had been living in. I was now surrounded by people I could trust. They were my pillars of strength at the time and they continue to be so. I owe it to them all for the strength I have today.
Once in a while, when I am in my best mood or my lowest point, I remind them how great they are, but they merely laugh it off because that’s the kind of people they are. They do so much good but don’t take credit for it because they don’t see anything special about what they do. But I do, and I will never forget it.
I didn’t have an idea where my life was going at the time, but I found myself moving in the direction the wind took me. I was like a lost soul, but the group was giving me direction. We were all diverse, coming from all corners of the world, but we always worked – and still work – so well together, which is not common in many diverse groups. I suppose that’s because we are all working towards one goal: to ensure no other women were treated the way we had been treated while working as child minders, housekeepers, au pairs and carers for the elderly. This is an issue very close to our hearts.
Another main project that brought us closer, or should I say that brought me closer to all the members of the group, was during the time we participated in a 10-week drama workshop, a time I consider precious to me and my personal development. It came at a time when I most needed it, and I’m sure many others did as well. The drama coaches were excellent; they were young but knowledgeable and they were aware of the underlying issues of the people they were working with, so they knew what areas they needed to work on. And experiencing our co-ordinator’s professional and warm attitude was the icing on the cake – it worked wonders.
Before we knew it we were all laughing out and rolling on the floor when we forgot our lines or made mistakes during rehearsals. We had written the scripts ourselves but that did not guarantee us eternal remembrance of them! It was absolutely amazing to see how many of us learnt new skills so quickly. I was one of them, and it felt strange to express myself like that, but now I understand why it was important.
As the performance day neared, rehearsals were getting intense – but all for a good cause, as we sounded much better and looked more organised and ready to blow away our audience. The day arrived when we had close to 300 guests expected. When I looked left or right, women were getting their final touches on their looks and the stage was set, with all props in their rightful places. Then the curtains opened and I looked at every one of us. I could not believe the people I was seeing beside me. They were walking tall, speaking loudly and eloquently and looking confident. That was lifetime learning for me as a person.
Today I know the power of getting support, as I work with the vulnerable and marginalised, which is exactly what I got when I most needed it. And I can never forget or stop appreciating and respecting the people who do this kind of work.
To be continued...
Mariaam Bhatti is a member of the Domestic Workers Action Group and Forced Labour Action Group of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland.
