Section of the gatering during the celebration of International Domestic Workers day at Assisi centre, Dimapur on June 16. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 16
Calling attention towards the need for regarding domestic workers as workers and ‘domestic work is a work,’ International Domestic Workers’ Day under the theme of “Decent work is our dream: Never give up,” was celebrated by members of Assisi along with domestic workers, government officials and well-wishers at Assisi auditorium on June 16.
Sr Pramila Lobo, Coordinator of National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Nagaland region spoke about the significance of the day which was to recognise and acknowledge their significance and contributions towards the development of the economy.
She explained that decent work includes decent wage, weekend leave, annual leave, maternity benefit, decent living condition and also pension for domestic workers. “We need to treat them with respect and recognise their work as for them an employer’s home is their work place,” she added.
Sr Lobo further mentioned that without them many societies will not function as they are the caretakers of our homes.
While noting the significant works that they do such as dropping off school children on time, putting food on the table, home maintenance and caring for the children, sick etc.
“Today as we are all here, we urge the government to enroll and help them avail schemes and other benefits,” she stressed.
Rose Yanthan, officer-in-charge, Women Cell, Dimapur police station also shared the need to value and cultivate dignity of labour in a sincere way. She underscored that no work should be looked down upon while saying, “Only God knows your true worth therefore do everything in his name.”
Priya Shyam, advocate, on the other hand noted that, “Although we celebrate international domestic workers day, the movement and progress for legal rights is slow.” She mentioned that due to this reason, “there is something wrong with the society’s perception of domestic workers that is holding us back from giving them equal rights.”
Moreover she espoused on the government to work towards providing equal rights for domestic workers while enacting comprehensive legislation in their favour as well.
