A new photography exhibition in Hammersmith aims to raise the voices of domestic workers this Women's History Month.
The series of 19 compelling photographs, titled A Place At The Table, will share the often hidden voices of those affected by domestic servitude.
Running from 17 March to 4 April, the free exhibition from local artist Camila Almeida will take over the mezzanine space at SCRUM Theatre in Talgarth Road, the former Lilla Huset building.
It forms part of H&F's Women's History Month celebrations, including an evening with the artist and activists on Tuesday 25 March.
Camila spent more than a year with the subjects of her portraits before embarking on the four-month project to capture their stories. She said:
"Domestic Servitude is a form of Modern Slavery and Exploitation which keeps people in forced labour and often inhumane conditions within private households," adding that the issue disproportionately affects women.
"The stories were all very similar, with the workers being brought to the UK by a family they work with but then becoming trapped."
Each portrait showcases an item of importance to the person photographed, from family pictures, to religious items, phone SIM cards and passports.
"They usually have their passports confiscated so they can't leave, are forced to work long hours with no pay and no holidays and, in some cases, have been made to sleep on the kitchen floor or not fed properly."
She added: "They can either stay in that abusive situation or, if they leave, they become illegal in the UK."
Voice of Domestic Workers
Brazilian-born Camila, who has lived in London including H&F for the past 17 years, developed the project alongside grassroots campaigning organisation the Voice of Domestic Workers.
First volunteering at the charity for a year, Camila was able to gain the trust of some of the migrant workers affected by domestic servitude.
The photos show workers who have now escaped the situations they were in, though many are still working with the charity to help them "regularise their visa situation in the UK", Camila explained.
Mimi Jalmasco, a member of the charity, shared her own experience with exploitation, lack of rights, isolation, and abuse:
Our struggles are rarely heard. The photography project has been a powerful way for us to share our stories.
It was empowering, made us feel seen, and reminded us that we are not alone. For society, these images are eye-opening.
They help people see us not just as workers, but as human beings with dreams and challenges. It has started important conversations and encouraged more support for our rights and dignity."
Meet the artist and activists
The exhibition will be accompanied by a special Q&A event about the project and the charity at 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 March.
With financial support from H&F, the evening event will be a chance to meet Camila and the director of The Voice of Domestic Workers, Marissa Begonia.
It will include:
- short talks about the project and the Voice of Domestic Workers charity, including a Q&A
- stories of local residents who have been impacted by domestic servitude
- opportunity for informal conversation and community networking.
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"It is heartening to see H&F raising awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls, as it takes strong community cooperation to tackle this social epidemic," said SCRUM's Gráinne O'Mahony. "By connecting Almeida and activists with SCRUM, they have strengthened the voices of people calling for change by bringing groups together in chorus."
Find more events taking place in H&F this March, with a packed programme of Women's History Month events including theatre, cinema, music, health and wellbeing and a range of community events.
