WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025
Pope Francis Champions the Rights and Dignity of Domestic Workers
Published on Apr 29, 2025
By EMN
Share
- In a heartfelt appeal during his visit to Singapore in September 2024, Pope Francis highlighted the indispensable role of domestic workers and called for their fair treatment and recognition. Addressing a gathering of political, civil, and religious leaders, the Pontiff emphasised the need to protect the dignity of migrant workers—many of whom are engaged in domestic service—and to ensure that they receive fair wages.
-
- “These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” Pope Francis stated, underscoring the vital contributions of domestic workers to the social fabric. He urged that special attention be paid to the poor, the elderly, and migrant workers, acknowledging their crucial roles in building and sustaining communities.
-
- Singapore, a nation with over one million low-wage foreign workers, including approximately 286,300 domestic workers, has been facing challenges associated with an ageing population. The Pope's timely remarks serve as a moral call to strengthen policies that protect the rights and dignity of these essential workers.
-
- Pope Francis's advocacy for domestic workers is longstanding. In a 2014 message, he expressed gratitude for the invaluable help of domestic workers and caregivers, recognizing the importance of their daily service. His consistent emphasis on the dignity of labour reflects his broader commitment to social justice and the protection of vulnerable populations.
-
- During his homily on the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 2020, Pope Francis addressed the plight of workers who are unjustly treated, including domestic workers who are often underpaid and lack social protections. He condemned such injustices as violations of human dignity and called for fair working conditions that respect the rights of all workers. “May no one be without employment, and may all be fairly paid,” he prayed, “that they might earn both the dignity of their work and the beauty of rest.”
-
- The Pope's message resonates globally, especially in countries like India, where domestic workers play an essential role in household management yet often face exploitation and inadequate legal protections.
-
- The Situation in Nagaland
-
- In Nagaland, the reality for domestic workers—especially migrant and tribal women from rural and economically weaker backgrounds—mirrors the concerns raised by Pope Francis. These workers often face multiple forms of exploitation, such as:
- • Lack of minimum wage enforcement
- • Long working hours without rest or paid leave
- • Verbal and sometimes physical abuse
- • No formal contracts or job security
- • Limited or no access to social security schemes
-
- Due to the absence of clear state-level policies or strong monitoring systems, domestic workers in Nagaland often fall through the cracks of labour protection frameworks. Many work in private households where labour rights are difficult to enforce, and their status as informal workers makes them vulnerable to exploitation.
-
- Demands from Nagaland
-
- Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID), and National Domestic Workers Movement Nagaland Region have been advocating for:
- • The recognition of domestic work as formal labour
- • State-level legislation for the protection of domestic workers’ rights
- • Implementation of minimum wage laws across the sector
- • Registration and regular monitoring of domestic workers through labour departments
- • Access to health benefits, insurance, and pension schemes
- • Awareness and training programmes for both workers and employers to promote mutual respect and legal compliance
-
- Pope Francis’ powerful appeal provides renewed moral backing to these local demands, inspiring action and policy change at both the state and national levels.
-
- As societies continue to rely on the invaluable contributions of domestic workers, Pope Francis’ advocacy underscores the need for systemic change. His words act as both a moral compass and a call to action—for governments, employers, and communities worldwide—to ensure that domestic workers are afforded the justice and dignity they rightly deserve.
-
- Sr. Pramila Lobo UFS
- MSW, LLB
- Director, Assisi Centre for Integrated Development
Nagaland Districts
