Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 13 (EMN): Assistant Director of Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), Guwahati, Sr. Molly Mathew on Monday said that domestic work is not regulated in many contexts as it is invisible and happening within the private space of the homes, which is not defined as a "workplace".
She said that the lack of regulation of domestic work devalues the economic and social contribution of such work to development. This promotes situations of abuse and exploitation of workers which includes contract substitution, poor wages, non-payment or delayed payment of wages, very long hours of work, no break periods or rest days, restrictions on freedom of movement and association among others.
Matthew was speaking during a state-level workshop on decent work and dignified life for domestic workers beyond COVID-19 organised by Ferrando Domestic Workers' Alliance (FDWA), Kohima in collaboration with Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), Guwahati, at St. Francis de Sales (SFS) parish hall in Kohima.
CDI has been working with domestic workers since 2004 and they have helped about 23000 domestic workers across Northeast India, covering 12 cities within six states, Mathew informed, adding that it is with the support of many stakeholders and the Labour department of various states that they have been able to realise the dignity of domestic work and the workers to some extent.
In Kohima alone, she informed how they are currently working with 719 domestic workers. She apprised that out of 719 domestic workers in the district, they obtained about 649 Aadhaar cards, 38 health cards and 190 ration cards while they opened 520 bank accounts for the domestic workers.
According to her, the salary of 714 domestic workers are being paid in cash and not through banks while the figure of those who have no other source of livelihood stands at 694.
Stating that the domestic workers were the most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, she informed that out of the 12 cities including Kohima, CDI supported 64 thousand households with dry ration, medical support and counseling.
Mathew said that they had conducted an assessment study on the working and living conditions of domestic workers during the COVID-19 outbreak and were able to collect 8070 data of domestic workers online to know the velocity of the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on them.
Speaking on the occasion, Chothalu Phesao, senior supervisor, 181 - Women Helpline, Nagaland, said that domestic workers in the state are often looked down upon and treated merely as servants. As a result, Nagas don't get domestic work due to demand for high wages whereas migrants are easily accepted by employers "because they are willing to work for a cheaper rate."
Some serious issues that the domestic workers have to confront on almost daily basis, she said are violation of rights, low rate of payments, no leave, no fixed minimum wage, verbal, sexual and all types of abuse at workplace, delay in payment, sudden dismissal of work without prior information to the worker, etc.
"According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), domestic work refers to work carried out within the domestic space such as sweeping, cleaning utensils, washing clothes, cooking, caring for children, and the like, by an individual for an employer in return for remuneration," she said.
Phesao narrated how a domestic worker working as a cook was robbed off her income during the onset of the lockdown while she continued to struggle even after regulations were eased later.
It was learnt that despite returning to work, a gaze of suspicion replaced the erstwhile warmth as the worker was now seen as a potential carrier of the virus by her employers. The worker is sprayed with disinfectant all over before being allowed to enter the house, she added.
"She doesn't like it, and her skin itches all the time but if she wants to feed her family, this is her only alternative," Phesao said.
Meanwhile, she maintained that the demands of domestic workers are simple as they just want their basic rights from the state government such as recognition of domestic labourers as workers, protection against all types of harassment, social security and access to benefits, etc.
Nginyei Konyak, member of Nagaland State Commission for Women, speaking on the economic status of women in Nagaland, said there were many women as bread earners of their family.
While one cannot deny the gender disparity that exists in Naga society, she said that women are less represented in domains like decision making and politics. However, with regard to other index of modern society such as education, life skills, creativity and intellectual pursuits, she was appreciative of Naga women "who are second to none."
She also maintained that many domestic workers or helpers are women who support their family. "Every kind of work, be it domestic work, is dignified and decent," she said.
With Nagaland being an agricultural state, she applauded women for playing a vital role as "the seed keepers".
T Chubayanger, project officer from the Labour department, stated that domestic workers "have a lot of power in their hands".
He also highlighted the need to register the domestic workers from Kohima in the department and to impart soft skills for livelihood activities.
Representing the domestic workers, Golapi Thapa, shared about the ordeal they faced during the unprecedented pandemic, and acknowledged FDWA Kohima and all concerned for their help during the time of crisis.
Ainato Yetho, deputy director of Nagaland AIDS Control Society, Kohima highlighted the basics of HIV/AIDs and free treatment being made available to infected persons.
Outgoing coordinator of FDWA Kohima city, Sr. Theresa Langhu, informed how they have been working to improve the living and working conditions of the domestic workers, for the past seven years.
She requested to continue extending support and valuable help towards strengthening the organisation for the welfare of the marginalised section in the society.
She also welcomed Sr. Agnes Khala, who would be replacing her as the new coordinator of FDWA Kohima.
During the event, discussion and drafting of action plans were also held for the well-being of the domestic workers.