Sr Pramila Lobo UFS
As cruise into the tenth year anniversary of the adoption of the domestic workers convention, a quick reality check makes it clear what progress we have made, how far we have succeeded to make the ideals of the convention into a reality. To this, it is not at all surprising to note that the Covid-19 Pandemic has exposed sufficiently as to how the domestic workers continue to be vulnerable in the labor market.
Looking back to the past, we realize that the Domestic workers are better organized today and can represent themselves to defend their views and interests. Their organizations as well as organizations of employers of domestic workers have played a key role in the progress made to date.
According to new International labor organization’s report, working conditions for many have not improved in a decade. On the contrary, their situations have been made worse by the covid -19 pandemic. Domestic workers were more vulnerable to the fallout from the pandemic because of long standing gaps in laborers and social protection. Interestingly, Domestic work remains a female dominated sector. Into this grim reality of the domestic workers’ story, it is noted that during pandemic Domestic workers are the worst affected, as the situation became no job, no money, no matter large or small family. Even we who are work for their rights, dignity, respect and empowerment do not know how they will move ahead. For sure, we will not lose our hope. Domestic Workers are the reason to work and they will give us the reason to continue till we reach our goal of empowering domestic workers and making them visible part of the society where their great contribution for the economy of the worldis duly recognized.
For instance in India, it been since 1985 that the domestic workers right has been promoted to a good extend. Despite of struggles we have marched ahead to some extent in some states to secure dignity for domestic workers. But sadly, here in the state of Nagaland domestic workers are not yet enrolled under the schedule of employment so that they could avail to privilege of getting minimum wages.
Many a times employers, general public and even the policy makers take domestic workers for granted because their work is between four walls, which is not organized and invisible. If so, until someone stands by them, their voice cannot be heard. We think that they are unorganized, unskilled and illiterate but if they are unskilled how is it possible that they can manage our homes so well? I think we need to question ourselves here? From the great initiative of National Domestic workers movement in each state there has been an awareness that something has to be done, so that they are not just bypassed and their service and contribution are duly acknowledge in the society.
Sr. Jeanne the mentor and the brain behind this movement has dreamt a big dream for the welfare of the domestic workers by pioneering this movement. Yet, this dream cannot be fulfilled unless and until the government, policy makers, and employers help to make them visible part of the society building. It is evident that the pandemic which has worsened the life of domestic workers will take another decade to fall to its normalcy. At the end, the fact should be underlined that the domestic workers are someone’s sister, mother, wife, and friend. If so, why delay in helping them. It needs to be ensured by the concerned department and authority that the general attitude of not recognizing the worth of domestic work does not become the organized crime of employers to treat them as they like and want. Abuse, false accusations, less payment for more work is prevailing everywhere.
Indeed it was a red letter for the Domestic workers when finally they were able to knock the door of International labor organization in the year 2011 so as to be recognized with the yardstick of considering domestic workers as workers who deserve decent work for with decent pay. But certainly, it does not end there. Each country needs to ratify it and work for their benefits and development basing itself in one’s own circumstance and condition as per the law. Domestic workers by law are no more slaves but workers. Who has to do this? We, who employ them, make policies. True, after 10 years lot has been changed but we cannot sit back and relax because there is a lot more to do for these our brothers and sisters – the domestic workers. The central, state, local government, employers, general public need to make a serious reality check so as to bring about the welfare of the domestic workers. At the same time, the domestic workers themselves need to stand together, become stronger to voice out collectively for the right and dignity. When we work together, we can achieve the success.
The writer is Director, Assisi Center for Integral Development & Coordinator, National Domestic Workers Movement Nagaland Region
