Rethinking the Dream: Sabina Sidi's Journey

Introduction

For many, the idea of moving abroad represents hope and opportunity. However, for Sabina Sidi, a mother of three and small business owner, her journey to Saudi Arabia in search of a better life turned into a harrowing experience. One year ago, she left her home in Tanzania with dreams of providing for her family, but what awaited her was far from what she had imagined.

A New Beginning

When Sabina arrived in Saudi Arabia, she expected to work as a maid, performing tasks like cleaning and cooking. Initially, the job seemed manageable, and for the first few weeks, she felt somewhat at ease. But soon, the reality of her situation began to sink in. The household she worked for was filled with tension, and the lines between employee and employer quickly blurred.

The Harsh Reality

Sabina’s first employer was a woman who lived with her husband and older son. What began as a simple job soon morphed into a nightmare. The husband started making unwanted advances towards her, leaving Sabina feeling vulnerable and trapped. In a foreign land, where the laws were unfamiliar and the customs rigid, she felt powerless to defend herself. Sabina learned that refusal could lead to severe consequences, including violence and degradation.

Escalating Tensions

As time passed, the harassment intensified. Sabina endured daily hostility from her employers, who demanded she be treated with contempt. They sought to break her spirit, and their violent actions left her bruised and terrified. The emotional toll was immense, yet she clung to the hope of returning to her children one day.

A Desperate Escape

After enduring months of torment, Sabina decided to transfer to another household, hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, her past followed her. The new employers had heard negative rumors about her, and she found herself facing the same treatment as before. Despite the initial kindness of her new boss, it soon became evident that her situation was far from safe.

A Disturbing Proposition

In a shocking turn of events, Sabina’s new employer revealed that her job would entail sleeping with dogs. Initially, she thought it was a joke, but the man’s serious demeanor quickly dismissed that notion. He explained that her responsibilities included not only caring for the dogs but also engaging in sexual acts with them. Horrified and confused, Sabina felt trapped in a nightmare from which there seemed to be no escape.

Plotting Her Escape

Determined to resist this degradation, Sabina crafted a plan. She pretended to agree to her employer’s demands, all the while searching for a way to flee. After a week of careful observation, she realized the neighborhood was her best chance for freedom. However, her escape attempt was thwarted by guards who had been left to watch her.

Facing Brutality

When caught, Sabina faced brutal punishment. Her employer beat her mercilessly, warning her against any future attempts to escape. In that moment, she understood the dire consequences of her situation. Yet, deep down, she resolved not to let this torment define her.

A Second Chance

After enduring the violence and humiliation, Sabina knew she had to act. She bided her time, gaining her employer’s trust while secretly plotting her escape. One evening, she seized an opportunity to gather her belongings while her employer was away. With a mixture of fear and determination, she prepared to leave.

The Final Break

The next morning, Sabina boldly approached her employer under the guise of needing supplies. With the money he provided, she made her way to the authorities, revealing the horrors she had faced. Her courage in that moment was remarkable; she had transformed from a victim into a fighter.

Homecoming

Thanks to the swift action of the authorities, Sabina was provided with a ticket to return to Tanzania. Upon her arrival, she was welcomed by her family, who had no idea of the trauma she had endured. The reunion with her children filled her with a sense of relief and gratitude.

Conclusion

Sabina’s story is a painful reminder of the realities faced by many seeking a better life abroad. It highlights the need for awareness and support for those vulnerable to exploitation. While her journey was filled with unimaginable challenges, Sabina emerged resilient, determined to rebuild her life and protect her family. Her experience serves as a call to rethink the allure of moving abroad and to consider the harsh truths that often lie beneath the surface.