My leadership story: Ningsih’s journey from quiet worker to confident organizer

© PERTIMIG

© PERTIMIG

“For me, being an organizer is about passion and being a good listener so I can truly understand what my fellow migrant domestic workers are going through. After joining training with PERTIMIG, I’ve become more confident doing outreach in places like Bangsar and Mont Kiara. I’m happy that more and more of my fellow workers have welcomed us and joined PERTIMIG.”

My name is Ningsih. I’m from Central Java, and I’ve been working as a migrant domestic worker in Malaysia for seven years. In the beginning, I lived quietly. I was grateful for a kind employer and a stable job. I didn’t see the need to join any group. I was content to “go with the flow,” like water.

I had a clear employment contract, a basic salary, medical insurance, a weekly day off, and even an annual flight home to Indonesia paid for by my employer. Life felt secure.

That changed in 2019, when I met Nasrikah and Bariyah. We began discussing issues affecting domestic workers. As I got more involved, I met many fellow workers who were suffering. Some faced abuse, unpaid wages or had no days off. Others shared painful stories of harassment.

Hearing their experiences changed everything for me. I realized I couldn’t stay silent. I joined PERTIMIG, an Indonesian migrant domestic workers’ organization, and began attending training sessions on gender-based violence, legal protections and how to campaign for our right to a day off.

I’ve witnessed PERTIMIG grow from just 15 members in December 2019 to over 300 today. It’s been incredible to see how our collective voice has strengthened. We continue to fight for the protection of domestic workers’ rights.

Now, as a member, I remind myself to keep learning and improving so I can support more of my fellow workers.

In August and September 2024, I participated in organizing and leadership training supported by PERTIMIG, the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). These capacity-building sessions taught me new ways to communicate, organize, and overcome the challenges we face as migrant domestic workers.

“These experiences inspired me. I’m no longer afraid of being questioned or rejected. I now promote PERTIMIG with confidence and determination.”

Thanks to the support of these organizations, I’ve grown not just as a worker, but as a leader. And I’m committed to helping others find their voice just as I found mine.