Yaa Asantewaa, a determined Ghanaian woman, shares her inspiring yet challenging story of life and survival in the United Arab Emirates.
She recalls how her journey began unexpectedly — “I was brought to Dubai without knowing it was a housemaid job.” Despite the shock, she embraced the work, cleaning and cooking for her employers. Her exceptional cooking skills soon earned her a special place in the family’s heart, even though she worked up to 12 hours a day.
But her journey was far from easy. Asantewaa faced exploitation, unpaid salaries, and deceitful agents. “Some employers scam you by not paying your salary,” she revealed. To protect her earnings, she sometimes hid her money in her underwear after discovering her roommate had been stealing from her.
Life in Dubai came with its share of dangers — including being physically assaulted by one employer while cleaning her house. Yet, Asantewaa refused to give up. She survived police cases, periods of overstaying her visa, and months without pay.
Despite the hardship, she found new opportunities. The nanny job, she said, later became easier with time and experience. Her resilience paid off — she began sending clothes to Ghana for sale, turning a side hustle into a thriving business. “I make more money selling clothes to Ghana than working as a nanny,” she proudly shared.
Asantewaa’s courage and perseverance have turned her struggles into strength. After years of endurance, she’s now found love in the UAE and hopes to marry soon. “Working abroad is hard,” she admits, “but I’ve built myself step by step.”
From being duped by agents to becoming an independent businesswoman, Yaa Asantewaa’s story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and determination of Ghanaian women making a life abroad.
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