What Happened to the ‘Housegirls’? - BBC Africa Eye documentary

Three years ago, BBC Africa Eye’s Nancy Kacungira reported on the plight of three young women, Mercy, Scovia and Esther who left their homes to find jobs as domestic workers. Commonly referred to as ‘housegirls’, the film chronicled their hard lives and illustrated how being employed as a domestic worker can sometimes lead to mistreatment and even abuse.
Now Nancy is back and catching up with the three young women to find out how their lives have changed and whether their hopes and dreams became reality. From babies to boutiques to back to school, Nancy discovers how each former domestic worker has overcome difficulties and embraced their new lives.
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Africa Eye brings you original, investigative journalism revealing secrets and rooting out injustice in the world’s most complex and exciting continent. Nothing stays hidden forever.
You can check out all #BBCAfricaEye investigations here: • BBC Africa Eye documen...
#DomesticWorkers #Kenya #Uganda #Housegirl
CREDITS:
Reporter - Nancy Kacungira
Executive Producer - Chris Alcock
Producer - Steve Ayeny
Film Editors - Ian Lloyd, John Moratiel
Production Manager - Simon Frost
Production Coordinators - Erin Osgood
Reversioning Producer - Anna Payton
Digital Producer - Tamasin Ford
Social Media Producer - Anusha Kumar
Online Editor - Chris Stott
Colourist - Boyd Nagle
Sound mix - Jez Spencer
Africa Eye Editor - Tom Watson
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Website: www.bbc.com/africa
Facebook: / bbcnewsafrica
Twitter: / bbcafrica
Instagram: / bbcafrica

[@BBCAfrica]

🎥 You can watch #BBCAfricaEye's 2019 documentary, "The Hidden Lives of 'Housegirls'" here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGKqamuujKZpp6c

[@akyedzinya4071]

Hmmm working as a house help is not easy, but God's time is the best. I have been a house girl for 31yrs and God knows how stressful it is. ♥️🇬🇭 I'm praying God will make away soon

[@Take-lq7hw]

0:19

[@surathchoudhury3887]

This channel belongs to colonial bigots!

[@-Brier_Siziba9]

Where is Racheal and Juliet

[@PinkHypatia]

How can I contact this domestic agency for a helper who is looking for an opportunity in the USA?

[@hectormukaba350]

Being poor and illiterate at the same time is a disaster for human kind. May God richly bless those who are making efforts in bettering others with nothing in return .

[@jackryan3487]

This is why Museveni has handled us

[@winngriff]

Well we can assist by stop having huge families we can't maintain. They casually say, "Esther got pregnant"

[@Africanvillagetee]

Its really sad ... sad.

[@deealia2568]

@@winngriff you’re ignorant. Education in these communities, including sex education is lacking and a reason for these pregnancies. It’s also cultural and endemic and, as said in the documentary, a lot of these women are raped and vulnerable. You’re coming at this from a privileged gaze. You also don’t understand how much community and family and seeing childbirth as a blessing and that the women who don’t produce children are often ridiculed as factors. You’re also policing bodies in terms of class and economics. As if only the wealthy should be allowed to have multiple children instead of focusing on the real issue, which is why there’s this socioeconomic disparity that makes any of this exist! The poor not having multiple children will not end poverty or their plight. The only thing that will end it is access to education and employment. Stop saying ignorant shit like they can assist by helping themselves. One bravely reported domestic abuse and became a chef, the other went back to school and the other started a business selling clothing all against the odds . What the have you done apart from be ignorant on KZbin?

[@Fentse22]

@@winngriff100%

[@sub_zero470]

The fact that Esther named her child after Nancy says how much you mean to them. Great work! 💯

[@Martin_Kyaroki]

Award winning journalism... well done Nancy

[@AfrWorldMedia]

lol nothing award winning about this.

[@Martin_Kyaroki]

@@AfrWorldMedia Well, that's your opinion...besides, Nancy is already an award winning Journalist regardless..

[@tuforu4]

In EUROPE we are taught from an early age to try and become INDEPENDENT.

[@tuforu4]

We do not want to be DOCTORS or pilots in EUROPE.

[@pietfavoured3374]

Have been a domestic worker for decades now. Being a house girl isn't easy. Few people will respect you, other will call you eletrate, other will abuse you. Have experienced all this although am glad God has been very faithful. Nancy thank you for this documentary. I feel like this important sector has been remembered. More love from Kenya.

[@moniho6907]

*illiterate

[@ajokeemmanuel4649]

@@moniho6907 Seriously, It is pretty obvious what the word is!! Educator!

[@Bebedollie]

Godbless u 🙏🌹

[@moniho6907]

@@ajokeemmanuel4649 well learn to spell!! bright scholar

[@amyparker9816]

@@moniho6907 You're just proving OP's point.

[@msziva2701]

The girl child is so vulnerable in Africa. There was a rise in teenage pregnancies in a few countries during the Covid pandemic. This is sad when children in the first world were able to access their education online. We really have a lot to do still for the next generation 😥😥

[@jojoxx9584]

Scovia inspires me. I'm completely rooting for her

[@evansonmuriithi712]

This is amazing,you are not only a journalist but a human with a concern..

[@kevinnapier8996]

I'm grateful that your team did this follow-up documentary. This was also eye-opening. To see the hearts of these ladies still success-motivated is great. But, they still need legitimate opportunities to come their way. My prayer is for that to find each of them.

[@ogooluwaesther1041]

Scovi(sorry if I got the name wrong) is a very strong woman. I wish her all the very best in her career pursuit.

[@Kelo7]

scovia's granny taking care of 3 generations of babies makes me a little sad

[@jerilynwilliams3655]

Thank you for following up with these bright young ladies. The first documentary touched me a great deal. I’m relieved to know they’re doing well - and happy. Blessings!

[@POLYMATHCENTRAL]

these are uneducated people and they should be glad to have a job and they should save, the issue is they don't contribute to the market, lol that's why they suffer, i went to school and studied.. there is always osmething you can do when you understand how the world works.

[@asiam1528]

I was rooting for these women, happy to see they are alive and doing well 😊

[@monalisawm]

All these women featured in the documentary have shown great courage, resilience, tenacity and hope. What an inspiring stories. I would like to help them, how do I get in contact with Scovia or mercy or the lady in North Uganda speaking in acholi? My respect and love goes to all of them. Thank you for this great documentary for showing reality of life not fake reality tv. God bless

[@ahronrichards9611]

Glad to see the follow-up to their story. Despite the challenges they faced (and are facing, in the case of Esther) they seem to be doing well. Love their resolve and drive to succeed. All the best in their future endeavours.

[@jojoxx9584]

There is dignity in every labour. Honestly speaking, we can't all be lawyers, doctors, teachers, journalists, etc. We still need people to work as fashion designers, hairstylists, laundry, and all. But, there should be dignity in every labour. I envision a future where domestic workers do their work with pride, dignity, and respect. A future where they are treated with the respect they deserve as human beings. A future where their services are needed and demanded for from agencies. A future where they don't go around begging and scavenging for jobs so much that they are looked down upon. I envision this and I'm going to birth it to life, because the future is mine, it is ours.

[@lks6248]

If we don’t have brain surgeons, people die. If we don’t have sanitation workers people die…. So far equal……

[@patriciakerubo4820]

These are good thoughts. Strength to you as you embark on this journey.

[@tuforu4]

Best get VISA FOR ALL THE POOR TO WORK IN EUROPE FARMS HOTELS ETC.

[@nalishebonasilele5868]

This is really encouraging...young woman not giving up on their dreams regardless of the odds.... N other women standing up for them is really heartwarming..... Keep up such good works

[@pinklove8422]

Mercy and to all the other girls you got this!!!! I am praying for yall. Within my schooling your circumstances have always motivated me. ❤️❤️

[@milliefusion7340]

Something about Scovia....something in her eyes tells a different story than what is being told here.

[@chriseffiong7506]

Scovia appears to look sad, reflective and very thoughtful.

[@lilianotoigo9579]

Especially in the follow-up period.

[@eunicenjoki1511]

I thought so too

[@africabyliesel]

God bless Grandma for her support. And all of you watching this that have domestic workers please them humanely

[@paulineotinga3364]

Thank you so much Nancy for the follow up. Continue with the good work by giving the voiceless a voice. THE LORD Bless you

[@cidoclins]

Thanks for always coming through with an eye opening investigation. Kudos

[@winngriff]

The guy with the sewing school is doing a great service

[@esmediamarketingldn]

I hope that seamstress school for teen mums produces many successful young ladies out of the ones who need their help.

[@josephangira6498]

You are doing a great job Nancy. There is real hope in the lives of those girls despite the challenges they are facing in those places.

[@mazaphagboola9965]

I'm also waiting. Good job, BBC Africa Eye

[@asmasu]

Thank you for doing this. This is humbling.

[@sangeetawesley6683]

Thank you for the updates on these stories 💖 My best wishes to all these girls and their carers, who cared for these young woman 🙏

[@Peace704032797]

WOW!! Thank you so much for the updates. The ladies are doing so much better. I am very proud of them, as I continue to pray for them. ❤️🙏🏾

[@patrickosodo7322]

Nancy, this is so great..thank you for shining a spotlight on the lives of these great ladies-real heroes..

[@nandakoC]

Great job BBC and Nancy ( my WCW). Their stories are heartwarming ❤️

[@okelloedwin1703]

Such a wonderful documentary, one of a kind

[@jojoxx9584]

"There is hope that domestic work can be more than a place where dreams die."

[@tinaa3459]

Scovia has got such a powerful name though I don't know what it means. The world is waiting for your impact Scovia

[@annashepard6337]

Where are the men and why aren't they expressing desire to be responsible fathers and husbands and provide for the children and assist their mothers? Why aren't the men being taught to do this? It is sorrowful that the girls alone bear the shame, worry, responsibility and care for their children.

[@jhenelle8605]

Good to see an update. Good luck to all these ladies.

[@djmendezkenya]

Wishing Scovia all the best in her dreams.

[@Hazeleyes878]

It’s so good to see this young ladies thrive !! Blessings to all 🙏🏼💜

[@caroljean161]

Thank you for this follow up. I hope it will stir more people to be vocal about these issues. So sad that Esther didn’t win her case. I hope she can appeal

[@titus254]

Good piece. Thanks for following up

[@Fixime]

I'm happy you've reminded me. Let me get back and rewatch it with care

[@wizardofahhhhhhz]

I always wondered about what happened to them. Thank you for the update ❤️❤️

[@angatuedward6580]

Hi N K. I was really touched by this video. This are the real challenges of the girl child. Stay great

[@lime-ne1vo]

Great service, may God continue to guide you as you offer support.

[@wildhogs1ful]

where are the fathers of these babies

[@Sophie-jf1nl]

I'm telling you! We see documentaries like these and no mention of the fathers sigh!

[@azizalaobaid7520]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MoraaOsiemo]

Unfortunately, the woman is always left holding the baby. Men can run away, women can't women should be careful with their decisions.

[@lindamasaku8595]

Same question I have

[@voicecommunities4810]

Some of the girls were raped ☹️, abused, others who knows, area boys, boyfriend who cannot even look after himself etc.

[@elainejackson5523]

Thanks for the share! Yes there is hope. Where can you make donations to the school. Ms. Morongo you are definitely empowering the young women making a significant difference in there lives. Mat God continue 🙏 to bless you and the workers as well as the women who go thru the program.

[@biztechmentor]

I remember the OG report. Ready to watch this one!

[@patrickmuita5779]

Good reporting.This is an eye opener to everyone.People should be kind to one another, domestic workers too have rights and need to be treated in a humane manner and paid well.

[@faboge]

Thanks dada, for bringing this back! Nobody showed me how I could help these kids

[@frankmagara6116]

Thank you Nancy

[@jibril2950]

Please teach them about birth control

[@sonichristine3020]

Thank you so much for following up these girls am really impressed, may God bless you abundantly 🙏

[@BundleOfRolo]

It’s so sad they are pregnant we need better access to contraceptives in Africa

[@michellelatham3214]

No, contraceptives are against African family values.

[@SmellyMellyization]

Is there not good access to contraceptives in Africa? I did not realize there wasn't.

[@tuforu4]

@@SmellyMellyization and the GUYS hunter.

[@nursetinalouise]

Really? You imagine any preventative care is available to most people in the world?

[@thebloomplatinumtv]

Mercy is truly doing well. Scovia though, I really wish her well.

[@josephkariuki8746]

Wonderful documentary

[@polycapongore9650]

More effort needs to be put towards social justice and protection of children rights

[@jessicahijarunguru4117]

This is very eye opening, I'm from Namibia and this is common here as well. This was educational, good job.

[@chabridgettumusiime8994]

Amazing 😍 documentary Dear Nancy , much love 💕💕 and respect from Kampala City, 🥰 Uganda, Africa ❤️ best documentary I have seen till the end ! Even the Baby's name is Pretty Nancy 💕🥰💕 Nancy dear you are so inspirational! See how these girls believed in you and they are thriving! God Almighty bless you so so much love 💕💕💕🌹🌹🌹 beautiful

[@faboge]

always loved Nancy's pieces! Congrats, sister! Would be great though if there were contacts to try and assist some of these girls.

[@TheTradeuser]

glad to see an update. is there a way to help fund the young lady who lost her shop

[@berylotieno276]

BBC eye ..respond to this.. but I think if you contact the centre for domestic workers (edith) she can connect you with her.

[@fredadthedisfordelightful9394]

All the ladies are so beautiful and smart I will pray that African conditions improve as far as education and training opportunities.

[@winniealwayo700]

I was looking forward to this followup. Thankyou BBC,thankyou Nancy Very eye opening and deeply inspiring documentary.

[@bryankinang4553]

This is a developing story keep updating us maa More energy to what you are doing

[@chebetbenalyn5932]

There's much that needs to be done regarding empowering young girls in the villages.Empowering would include matters contraception. With little/no exposure to better living standards and knowing no other life aside from that of the village, they're vulnerable to so much.

[@alysharobinson5956]

I love this!

[@DogonChild]

We have to protect and provide for our women.

[@erickmuriithi4820]

Im I the only one who has noticed that scovia can barely afford a smile? Almost as though she's overstressed.

[@cherry2442]

I honestly don't understand why people choose to have children knowing very well they don't have the means to take care of them.

[@dapofam5549]

because they choose to and that is for them to decide

[@mikemike5973]

@@dapofam5549 then when they have issue it's also their choice

[@susanugwuegbulam570]

Children are their old age insurance in a country where the government does not take care of old people. Even pensions are hardly paid and when paid, are not enough for basic necessities. You give out these children for other to raise because when they grow up they will be the ones to look after you. They have no emotional attachment to the family who raises them but their parents remain their parents even when these parents where not very much in their lives. It's a sad situation that those in the western world may not understand because they live under very different circumstances.

[@Highly_Favoured_]

Sometimes it's inevitable especially for teenage girls in such deplorable conditions and no moral support from anyone. They just find themselves vulnerable to such. And true, it devastating when you already have a burden to carry and then add another one. However, I cannot blame these girls. I just pray they get to empower themselves regardless and have a bright future for them and their families

[@ninah5938]

No birth control or sexual education. Talking about sex is taboo. Also a lot of girls are groomed. There are so many factors.

[@mercileenngina2692]

Hi Nancy, I would like to support Esther re-open her business. How can I get in touch with you or her so that she gets the assistance she needs?

[@lifeoffavourbyj921]

Be blessed

[@martinrivas2167]

Very great job BBC Africa! Hearing that the last documentary moved things to the better reflected as more young women stepping out from bad treatment in their work is something great to hear. From this one it is worthwhile saying that the very important and root of big part of the problem was brought to the table. The stigma around some girls not returning back to school because of that. Hopefully discussions start so the stigma can become less and (more) girls take the courage to go back and finish their education. Cheers!

[@adamtongi427]

I want to assist the little girl who wants to continue with her education. Please assist us with her information so we can give her more assistance. Even after being pregnant, she still wants to go to school. I am proud of her.

[@ruthnjambi2399]

These stories are great and impressed by the drive to move on despite the challenges faced. I am just wondering how domestic work can be made decent noting the millions of women in this sector? It's about time to ratify convention 189!!

[@joowest]

I really appreciate your voice dear sister,I now know the person reported on bcc on the Cameroon incident where women and their children were killed by Cameroonian Amy for being accused of aiding bokoharam a miltia group in between naigeria and Cameroon, you have a gorgeous voice dear.

[@beverlyjames7941]

May god continue to bless you Nancy in all that you do for others Tku 😊

[@AfrWorldMedia]

I'm sorry but having children when you're poor and can't even provide for yourself is beyond stupid. If I were poor sex would not enter my mind let alone becoming a parent.

[@mmb-memyrapzandbeatz6603]

Most Dumbest Comment. You can think like this because you are educated and have sex education. (I guess). Having kids when you can’t provide for them is “stupid”. But how do you agree to deprive them from nature calls? They are humans too even if they are poor and uneducated. They can’t even afford contraceptives! You need to think next time before commenting. “If you were poor, you wouldn’t have sex” is lame and a lie.

[@Highly_Favoured_]

When you are empowered & enlightened, then your sentiments makes sense. Unfortunately for some of these girls, it's almost close to impossible. They easily fall victims to their preys. In some cases, they become pregnant in quest for money to support themselves and family

[@ssmollock]

Sex is not always voluntary.

[@AfrWorldMedia]

@@ssmollock none of the former house girls in this report were raped. Uganda has a population of 47.2 million. 17,000 rapes are reported annually and less than 1% end in child birth. Your point is mut, 99.98% of births amongst all Ugandans is voluntary. Having children while serving as a sex worker is voluntary.

[@5starkenyasafaris60]

one inititive that im proud of is seing africa girls join school back after pregnacy.this should be preached enough so as to acquire a rainbow nation and human dignity is advocated for.Thanks BBC NEWS for great doc and follow ups💕

[@krystalccameron7689]

2 New babies, but no husbands or fathers in sight....there's something in that.

[@borismukwambo2468]

Esther disappointed me honestly.

[@BibleMadeEasy247]

I wish we can get some of the contacts to these people. For those who can help even one can get in touch with them. This would be better journalism than we watch them wallow in poverty then we walk away or switch to the next story. Let’s be proactive n post contacts to reach them

[@goldenismonica1522]

Instead of highlighting these girls, we should highlight the men who are abusing them. Almost every girl is where she is because she was victimized by a man. This is horrible. I 100% support misandrists.

[@abongderic8565]

I didn't hear any of this girls saying they where raped or abuse, rather we should say they need more education on sex and parenting .

[@hana-belle]

@@abongderic8565 Let’s not be naive pls. Just bcoz some girls may not speak out about their experiences doesn’t mean that they’re aren’t victims of sexual assault/rape. Some victims become too traumatised to speak out about what they’ve gone through bcoz of shame or the stigma of sexual assault or even other reasons known to them.

[@cefarhfoundation9967]

thank for your news

[@barrsanimusa286]

A good job 👍👍👍

[@wambuipolly2538]

Tell Mercy to forgive her former employer, the court case will just drain her

[@nollys8523]

No, it’s good that it’s now on record, if nothing else, along with the evidence.

[@tuforu4]

You GENIUS I BET AND WELL TRAVELLED.

[@DavTec1]

Berl is very accurate when speaking! All the girls are focused even those who got babies!!! Barikiweni from Vienna Austria!🎉🎉

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

Just left your city over the weekend. Great city. Love it!

[@Bestfix_Edits]

the best follow up

[@Bebedollie]

Godbless these beautiful woman 🙏💞💕💗

[@ruthphilip5837]

I hope I have been heard🙏🏽

[@Highly_Favoured_]

Esther, you have a beautiful ❤️. I pray things turn out well for you as well as the other girls. As for Scovia, she still seems deeply troubled.

[@blairariavanderkamp3405]

This is such a disgace in the 21st century!! May God free all those poor girls from their misery and punish those who exploit and abuse them!

[@Kushy36]

The last story is what we should all wish for all our girls from poor families. Richer people must stop seeing them as slaves and sex pets, it's very wrong and painful. Big up to you for helping.

[@fredadthedisfordelightful9394]

African rulers must do better to provide more opportunities for their citizens...African women should have more opportunities and better treatment...

[@mikemike5973]

Nothing to do with opportunities they are very much there even in the village

[@tuforu4]

Africans in USA can pressurised the USA governments.

[@lavetteclardy3635]

This makes me angry, every time they take one step forward they have to take 2 steps back every single time.

[@motherearth5462]

What hits me the most is the desperate desire to go to school. Kids and young people these days in the US hate school (most but not all). Videos like these NEED to be shown in school or at home. Maybe the sewing class can make the clothes for Esther to sell.

[@onnie1968]

I don't understand with things so hard, why do all these women have babies ?? I just can't get my head around it.

[@monijok]

Hey Nancy thanks for this follow up,I was wondering what happened to this great and strong women.I think that baby Nancy is named after you☺️.scovias grandmother look like she need abit of booster here and there,I would love to give her some clothes and food how can I get in touch with her? I was raised by my grandmother and I have soft spot for grandmothers who stand strong with the family no Matter what.kindly get me in contact

[@Highly_Favoured_]

True, she doesn't seem jovial compared to the previous documentary. Thanks for offering to donate something. Bless you

[@Marcus.79]

Interesting....

[@suleymanali431]

Museveni and his family are very rich why not help this poor people like that old grandmama of that girl in school uniform you can see how desperate she is that old grandmama i wish the best for these poor families with no help from there government.

[@mirembepenny4730]

That family is a curse to our country

[@tuforu4]

MUZAVENI has billions$$$$$$.

[@emefreeman1905]

I’m torn:”progress” here is Westernization, so is the definition of poverty. None of which is necessary to preserve a culture or a people. Rather unfortunate, these women do seem traumatized. Hoping they find peace and joy.

[@venus6905]

Amen 🙏 Beautiful 👍

[@fern7306]

Holy Crap……..how people treat each other in their employment 😢😳