The Silence That Erases Work
I think back to those hours spent alone in front of a computer, moving from one task to the next, never knowing if that time would ever be acknowledged. Eleven years is a long time. And when you work like this—without fair compensation or recognition—the feeling of being invisible eventually becomes a heavy burden.
Companies are often quick to proclaim their commitment against child labor. Yet, this indignation seems to stop the moment the question of their own responsibility arises. What becomes of women who claim to have worked for years, only to have their time and expenses go unrecognized? Before speaking of "government-sanctioned slavery" or accusing institutions of corruption, one must be able to establish the facts. But accounts of unpaid labor deserve to be heard and examined seriously—not simply brushed aside.
Exploitation is about more than just a loss of money. It can also damage one’s reputation and self-confidence, especially when the person seeking justice is defamed or discredited. One then finds oneself having to defend not only one’s work but also one’s own word—a burden that can follow a person into every aspect of their personal and professional life.
When technology companies, platforms, or public organizations are called into question, transparency becomes essential. Accusations must be verified, responsibilities established, and those involved treated fairly. For me, recognition is the first step toward justice: it begins with listening, examining the evidence, and ensuring that a person’s work does not simply vanish into silence.