Migration

Generations

Emma's father often sits at this window watching his pigeons. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Because of Me

When I ask Emma what parts of the house did the money she has earned contribute to- she says everything. "We were able to build the store, the kitchen, the furniture because of what I earned." Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Sacrifice

Emma has spent the last 16 years as a foreign domestic worker in Singapore. A single parent, she didn't have the money to raise her daughter or care for her aging parents and foreign domestic workers can earn as much as 3 times what they could earn back home. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Lead by Example

Emma remembers how her mother struggled to make ends meet, She would spend days in the city to sell vegetables when Emma was a child. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Proud

Through the income Emma earns, her family was able to buy this land. Her mother is very proud of her chickens. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Comfort

Her father has been able to retire since Emma started working as a Foreign Domestic worker (FDW) in Singapore. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Space

Most family members do not understand the poor living and working conditions their families undergo as a FDW. Under Singapore law FDWs are required to reside with their employers, and many condominiums are designed to include a helper's living quarters - a small room behind the kitchen. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Tangible

Emma is proud that she was able to improve her family's economic situtation. But that came at the sacrifice of the relationship with her daughter. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Attempts

This was the first time Emma was able to return home to her family in 4 years. Only able to communicate to her 17 year old daughter through texts she is heartbroken at the loss of their relationship. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Little Things

In the kitchen of her family's home. Now that her daughter attends boarding school her house is often quiet, with only her parents around. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

Generations

Emma and her daughter prepare for the day as her mother watches. Her daughter attends school and is set to go to university next year. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

One Day

Her daughter has a bright future and a chance at an education, Emma is grateful that her daughter will have a chance to be more in life than a "helper" ( slang for FDW). Emma only hopes that one day that her daughter recognizes the sacrifices she has made for her. Banjarnegara, Indonesia January 2017

For my Son

There are around 230,000 FDWs from employed in Singapore and they are found in one in five households. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

A chance

Under Singapore law FDWs are required to reside with their employers, and many condominiums are designed to include a helper's living quarters - a small room behind the kitchen.---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

For My Son

Many of the women I met told me they make these sacrifices to support their children. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

Scars

Arguably, the living situation puts the FDW in a vulnerable position, creating opportunities for exploitation and mistreatment. This woman shows me her scars from a previous employer. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

Sequestered

Singaporean law also states that FDWs are entitled to one day off a week and eight hours of rest per day. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

Shelter

According to a 2015 study by the organization HOME, participants reported the that their average working day is 13 hours and 40% do not have a weekly rest day. The women here have left their current employer for various reasons and sought refuge in a shelter that protects migrant women until their case is settled or they are allowed to leave the country. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

The majority of FDWs report that their movement and communications are restricted, and 67% of FDWs report that their employers illegally control access to their passports. Additionally, 51% claim they are verbally abused. To compound this problem, most FDWs do not know their rights or how to access help and support if they need it. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.

Safety

These images were taken through the support of HOME. An organization that advocates for the rights of migrants in Singapore. ---NOTE----- Please ask before publishing these images from HOME - some cases may be in progress.