Navigating Dignity and Well-Being Under Foreign Roofs: A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Returned Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Gender, Human Development, and the Individual (GHI)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Israel, Jay De Leon B.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/94569671692?pwd=Fj3c3ELOebE6QbqbJOOH9wMuildoEc.1 Meeting ID: 945 6967 1692 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

This study explores the lived experiences of returned Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers, emphasizing their dignity and well-being while working abroad. The Philippines is one of the most known labor-exporting countries with the high prevalence of domestic workers accounting for a share in the workforce. Regardless of their contribution to the economy and household, these workers often face challenges such as marginalization, strict working conditions, and unequal power relations with employers. With the utilization of a qualitative phenomenological approach, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews with three returned female domestic workers residing in Metro Manila. Alongside this, thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and meanings from their experiences. It was found that the diversity in their personal encounters remained: some faced intensive challenges when interacting with their employers, while others formed positive relations within their duration of work. These experiences brought significant impacts on the participants’ well-being, leading them to build coping mechanisms such as praying frequently and maintaining communication with their families and fellow workers for emotional support and comfort. The study concludes that most overseas Filipino domestic workers continue to encounter structural inequalities and labor conditions that significantly affect their dignity and well-being. In spite of these challenges, resilience stays evident among them through the various coping mechanisms and support systems they rely on to endure and overcome their experiences abroad. The findings urge the need for more strengthened policies and protection that ensure rights and overall well-being of Filipino domestic workers abroad.

Keywords

overseas Filipino workers; labor migration; lived experiences; domestic workers; well-being

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Navigating Dignity and Well-Being Under Foreign Roofs: A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Returned Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers

This study explores the lived experiences of returned Overseas Filipino Domestic Workers, emphasizing their dignity and well-being while working abroad. The Philippines is one of the most known labor-exporting countries with the high prevalence of domestic workers accounting for a share in the workforce. Regardless of their contribution to the economy and household, these workers often face challenges such as marginalization, strict working conditions, and unequal power relations with employers. With the utilization of a qualitative phenomenological approach, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews with three returned female domestic workers residing in Metro Manila. Alongside this, thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns and meanings from their experiences. It was found that the diversity in their personal encounters remained: some faced intensive challenges when interacting with their employers, while others formed positive relations within their duration of work. These experiences brought significant impacts on the participants’ well-being, leading them to build coping mechanisms such as praying frequently and maintaining communication with their families and fellow workers for emotional support and comfort. The study concludes that most overseas Filipino domestic workers continue to encounter structural inequalities and labor conditions that significantly affect their dignity and well-being. In spite of these challenges, resilience stays evident among them through the various coping mechanisms and support systems they rely on to endure and overcome their experiences abroad. The findings urge the need for more strengthened policies and protection that ensure rights and overall well-being of Filipino domestic workers abroad.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_GHI/11