Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 15
International Domestic Workers Day was observed in Dimapur on Saturday at Assisi Auditorium, Lake View Colony, with ‘Zero tolerance on gender based violence for domestic workers in the world of work’ as the theme.
The event was organized by National Domestic Workers Movement-Nagaland Region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (ANDWU).
Project officer and secretary, Nagaland Construction Worker’s Welfare Board, Chubayanger, graced the celebration as special invitee and Rev. Sr. Mary CJ, provincial superior UFS NE, and EAC, Avonuo, as guests of honour.
Chubayanger in his address acknowledged the role of domestic workers and their vital contribution to society. The project officer said domestic workers are the foundation of any home and that without them any home or family would disintegrate and run into chaos.
However, despite the immense contributions of domestic workers, Chubayanger said it was painful to see domestic workers being subjected to inhuman treatment from their masters and mistresses.
He said domestic workers are daily exposed and subjected to domestic violence and abuses including physical, sexual, psychological and financial deprivation. Chubayanger informed that the government has initiated and set up measures to provide counselling and give redressal to the complaints and plight of domestic workers including the 181 emergency toll free number, one-stop-centre functioning at district hospitals, and district legal service authority. He urged the domestic workers to promptly call or visit such centres if they are unjustly mistreated or harassed.
He further advised the domestic workers to enter into written agreement with the owners of homes specifying terms and conditions including work hours, salary, leave and other details, before they agree to work. Such written agreement would prove useful later when they have any disagreement with their owners and when they seek justice or compensation.
Guest of honour, Avonuo, EAC, in her speech said the observance of International Domestic Workers Day is a celebration as well as reminder of the immense contributions of domestic workers, especially women, to the society and home. The EAC said the hard work and labour of domestic workers have lightened the burdens of homes and families and helping other people to pursue their works and careers with greater ease.
While appealing for just and humane treatment of domestic workers, she also urged domestic workers to be sincere and hardworking so that they may earn the goodwill of their employers.
Earlier, Sr. Pramila Lobo delivered welcome and vice president, ANDWU, Muni Devi, proposed of vote of thanks. On the occasion, domestic workers and their children presented various items to entertain the gathering.
