Along with the rest of the world, various organisations across Nagaland celebrated “International Domestic Workers Day (IDWD)” Thursday by highlighting the plight of domestic workers across the state.
In Kohima, Ferrando Domestic Workers’ Alliance (FDWA) Kohima in collaboration with Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), Guwahati celebrated IDWD.
Speaking during the occasion, assistant coordinator for State Resource Centre for Women, Juliana Medom, asked domestic workers to practice dignity of labour.
Emphasising that all kind of honest work should be equally respected, she asked the workers to be more professional and dedicated in their job and faithful to their employer.
In her greetings, outgoing city coordinator of FDWA Kohima, Sr. Theresa Langhu said every year June 16 was celebrated as IDWD across the world. She also informed that gathering about International Labour Organisation (ILO) passage of Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189).
The programme was chaired by FDWA Kohima field staff, Agnes Kezo, superior of St. Mary’s Convent, Kohima, Sr. Mariam invoked God’s blessings, welcome note was delivered by a domestic worker, TS Joysee, special songs were presented by Hesheni group, Theresa group FDWA Kohima staffs and Mashine, words of gratitude to Sr. Theresa Langhu were proposed by domestic workers, Veronica Buni while vote of thanks was delivered by incoming city coordinator of FDWA Kohima, Sr. Agnes Khala.
NDWM, ANDWU: National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM)-Nagaland region, All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (ANDWU) and Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) organised a programme on International Domestic Workers Day in the Assisi auditorium.
In her welcome address, Sr. Pramila the day was observed to recognise the contribution of domestic workers to the development of the economy and to show their strength and solidarity with fellow workers.
Pointing out that every individual should treat them with respect, Sr. Pramila said the home of employers was their work place and that domestic workers were, “oil in the wheels”.
“Because of them, we can get out from our homes and earn our living, our children can go to school on time, our dresses are washed clean and ironed well, our food is ready on time, our home is clean, pets are taken well care” she stated.
Urging upon the state government to enrol them under the schedule of employment, she also asked that minimum wages be granted to them and help them avail schemes and other benefits.
Meanwhile, deputy labour commissioner, Nagaland, Kewekoti Teno assured that the matters concerning domestic workers would be met soon and disclosed that “due to some internal problems”, things were being delayed. He said that the domestic workers will be “brought under the schedule of employment.”
In her address, advocate Priya Shyam said the movement was moving ahead with steady steps and that domestic workers were sought after from kitchen to the garden.
The programme was compered by Maya Sahu, Asenla Sangtam offered the invocation while Naro proposed vote of thanks.
Highlights of the programme included dance presentations, songs and a skit on domestic workers rights. Altogether, by 350 participants attended the programme.
