Domestic Workers’ Week begins at Kohima

Domestic Workers’ Week under the theme “Recognise decent work for domestic workers for their social protection and sustainable development”, organised by Ferrando Domestic Workers’ Alliance (FDWA) began at Savio KG School, D. Block colony, here on Saturday.
Keynote speaker, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB) supervisor, Juliana Medom, in her address encouraged the domestic workers to know their rights.
She said such workers often lacked confidence which results in themselves failing to stand up for their own rights.
Medom urged the gathered team of domestic workers to have self-respect and integrity at workplace.
She pointed out that their works were valuable and that they work hard and earn honestly with dignity.
She urged them to know that their works were directly contributing to the local economy and at the same time helping others to contribute to society on different levels.
Medom asserted that domestic workers who take care of households and other families, especially working parents enable them to pursue their career as they get a helping hand at their homes.
She stressed on the need for domestic workers to also upskill themselves in order to attract better earning potential in their profession.
She exhorted them to perform their duties sincerely and deligently even as they stand for their rights.
In a brief remark, Nagaland State Commission for Women member, Khrienuo Meyase, pointed out the lack of a proper legislations in the country to protect domestic workers.
She observed that demand for domestic workers was increasing however there was also a huge shortage which had put the workers on a high value.
Meyase said domestic worker comes under unorganized sector which was one reason why the wages remains low.
She pointed out that domestic workers were also vulnerable to exploitation, including sexual exploitation. In this regard, she said state government should come up with regulations to protect domestic workers from abuse.
Other areas include regulation for work durations, wages and other similar rights which needs to be addressed, she said.
Sharing her experiences, Joysee, a domestic worker, described how her life had changed after she came in contact with FDWA.
She said that the alliance had helped her get educated and also facilitated her and her friends in making documents and avail government schemes since most of them were illiterates.
She thanked the alliance for training them with various skills like basket making, stitching clothes and also helping them find ways to upgrade their skills and earn their livelihood, while also educating them about their rights.
Sharing the welcome note, FDWA coordinator, Sr Rincy Kamei, disclosed that at present there was a total of 927 domestic workers registered in Kohima city alone while 209 children in domestic workplaces with FDWA.
She urged the gathered workers to encourage their friends to come tell their friends who have not registered to come and get registered and avail the benefits.