This is the story of the UK's silenced workforce.

Every year, around 23,000 migrant domestic workers enter the UK, brought by a foreign employer. Nannies and cleaners, carers and housekeepers - hidden behind closed doors.They have faced injustices for decades - from exploitation and abuse, long days and no minimum wage, to insecure visa processes. Against all odds, they’ve carved out their own community, a network focused on support, rescuing, training and activism.

Meet six migrant domestic workers living and working for their rights, their family, and their place in the world.

Tracy worked with our participants Lea, Jane, Reina, Helen, Phoebe and Sabina from November 2022 to February 2023 to document their daily life and includes footage of the women’s families back in Manilla along with testimonials from supporting organisations.

The result is a beautiful story of resilience & solidarity, one that reflects the strength and empowerment that the six women have experienced throughout their journey.

The documentary was filmed across London and includes footage of the women’s families back in Manilla. Although many of the stories told are harrowing, Kiryango was keen that the film reflects the strength and empowerment that the six women are now experiencing from finding a supportive network in the UK.

The London-based filmmaker said:

“Our Place is Here,‘’ is a film about family, and how to cultivate hope and community in a time of need. As someone with immigrant parents who worked in a similar sector, I was keen on documenting these courageous Filipino women who were willing to sacrifice themselves to financially help their families. Domestic workers don’t receive the praise and adoration that they should. It’s horrifying to think that the same women these employers entrust their children and elderly family members with are the same people they so openly mistreat and disregard. This film is a reminder that these women are mothers, daughters, siblings, and friends of people who love them, and are doing their best to provide them with the bright future that they deserve.”

FDWA is one of the key support organisations working with the Filipino community offering advice, a place of refuge and guidance around financial and immigrating support.

Phoebe Dimacali who is featured in the documentary is the founder of FDWA.
She established the Hackney-based non-profit in 2013 and since then has seen an influx of men and women from the Philippines approaching them for support.

“As much as the documentary is retelling and sharing some upsetting experiences, the film also throws light on the strong and supportive community that has developed across London thanks to the great work of charities and organisations who have become almost a second family for many of the domestic workers. The film goes beyond the dark and shows there is hope and unity amongst domestic migrant workers,” said Dimacali.