Edith Negbleh, a Ghanaian woman currently living in Egypt, shared her journey with SVTV Africa. She moved to Egypt in 2011 and has been working as a domestic helper ever since. Her experience spans working with Indian and Lebanese families, mostly as a babysitter and housekeeper—handling tasks like cleaning, washing, ironing, and cooking. “I’m really good at it,” she said proudly.
Back in Ghana, Edith came from a small but hardworking family and had already been working in similar jobs before traveling. In Egypt, she has worked in only four households since 2011. She explained that working in Cairo is different from places like Kuwait, where you’re bound by strict contracts. “Here in Cairo, you can stop working with a family if things aren’t right and look for another opportunity.”
Edith managed to pay off her debts within a year of working in Egypt. She advises others working in domestic roles to find ways to build good relationships with their host families. “When you live with them, find ways to make them like you,” she said.
She’s passionate about cooking and used to cook often back in Ghana. “This family I currently work with is like a second family to me,” she added. However, life hasn’t been entirely easy. Edith doesn’t have her own room and sleeps in the dining area of her employer’s home. Despite these challenges, she remains focused.
Edith is a single mother of two boys, both of whom are in Ghana. “I gave birth out of wedlock, and I haven’t seen my children since I moved to Egypt. I only speak with them over the phone,” she shared emotionally. Her dream is to bring her youngest son to Cairo for a holiday.
She currently rents a two-bedroom apartment in Egypt, but when she’s on duty, she sleeps at her employer’s home. Her work schedule is on a rotation: four days on, three days off.
Outside her job, Edith is working on a personal project—building a house in Ghana. She hopes to set up a restaurant within the house once it’s completed. “When I’m done, I want to go into the food business,” she explained.
A few years ago, her boss renewed her travel ticket and offered to buy her another ticket to visit Ghana. However, she chose to stay and continue saving. “When I’m done building, I’ll let my little one come visit me in Cairo,” she said.
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