Hayley Durack

Singapore Sisters

What inspired you to write your book?

In general, I’m in awe of what a domestic helper does. I am mesmerised by these women! I spoke for years about wanting to create a beautiful coffee-table tribute book that celebrated the lives of Foreign Domestic Workers.

How did you pull the project together?

I work as a photographer and run my own small business. The photographs in Singapore Sisters were predominantly taken at family photoshoots. Over the years, I built an archive of these beautiful ladies. I wanted to show some of their stories: the sacrifices in leaving their home country, their dedication to handson domestic work, and the love they bring our children and family lives. Ultimately, they help Singapore to function as the successful economic country it is today.

What are you hoping to achieve from the book?

I want to shine a spotlight on these incredible women. For helpers, this is more than just a job – they deeply connect with our children, they cook, clean, walk dogs, buy groceries, greet and care for our guests, assist with kids’ homework; the list goes on. They are truly talented, trustworthy and skilled in the art of “helping”.

What’s the key message you would like readers to take away with them?

The best part, when you buy a copy of Singapore Sisters, 100 percent of the profits go to HOME (Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics), a charity dedicated to supporting and empowering migrant workers who suffer abuse and exploitation.

Why is it so important to you to showcase their stories?

The truth is, helpers are incredibly vulnerable. Their experience relies entirely on the family they live with. Each time they move to a new family, they’re making a huge leap of faith – only much bigger than ours. I want people to be amazed by these brave and talented women, and acknowledge the wonderful contributions they’ve made to our lives.