Domestic workers have become an integral part of labour force across the globe, with millions of people, largely women and several underage peopleworking in this informal sector. The number of such workers is estimated to be a few crores in India alone. To celebrate their contributions to the economy, the world observes International Domestic Workers Day on June 16, the day the International Labour Organisation’s Convention on domestic workers was adopted, setting labour standards for them, and also to address their plight. Despite this convention coming into force in 2013, this group of workers are deprived of their basic rights in most parts of the world. With no social security scheme, legal protection and economic security, they were among the first to be hit by the pandemic-induced lockdowns, as households that once needed their services abruptly stopped over fear of exposure to the disease. It dealt a devastating blow to the livelihoods of millions of people by cutting off the
Our Reporter Dimapur, June 16 (EMN): The co-ordinator of Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (NDWU) Pramila Lobo asserted that without domestic workers, many societies and economies would not be able to function, and thus questioned why there is delay in listening to their demand to enrol them under the schedule of employment. She stated this during the celebration of International Domestic Workers’ Day on the theme “decent work is our dream; never give up”, at Assisi Auditorium, Lakeview colony, Dimapur on Thursday. The programme was jointly organised by National Domestic Workers Movement Nagaland region with All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (ANDWU). She reiterated to enrol them under the schedule of employment and give them minimum wages, as well as help them to avail the schemes and other benefits. Stressing on the celebration, Lobo said that International Domestic Workers’ Day is a significant day dedicated to all the hard work and commitment of the domestic workers,
With few rights and little social protection, domestic workers were often cast aside during the COVID-19 pandemic to fend for themselves. On International
Collusion between local police and influential residents’ associations in Indian metropolises often end up stripping workers of their dignity and the recognition of their hard work.
Year after year on June 16th International Domestic Workers Day is celebrated with great respect and appreciation to all the domestic workers. Many of us confuse with the terms “Home Maker” and “Domestic Work” Home maker is the one who maintains the upkeep of his or her residence, especially one who is not employed outside the home. But Domestic workers are those workers who perform work in or for a private household or households. Their work may include cooking, washing and ironing the clothes, taking care of children, elderly or sick, gardening, guarding the house. A worker may be employed either on a full time basis or a part time – time basis. Many define domestic work as caring rather than working. This is the main reason why it is often not regarded and rewarded like others so called “regular” work. Why Domestic Work? Reasons for domestic work can be divided into push and pull factors. The push factors include poverty, lack of education and lack of alte