Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 16 (EMN): Assistant co-ordinator, State Resource Centre for Women, Juliana Medom, on Thursday said it is pivotal to imbibe the spirit of dignity of labour while tending to any kind of work, be it at home or outside.
She was speaking during a programme organised by Ferrando Domestic Workers' Alliance (FDWA) Kohima in collaboration with Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI) to commemorate International Domestic Workers' Day at St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish hall in Kohima.
'There should be dignity for any kind of job and for every walk of life,' she told the domestic workers who attended the event.
"No matter how small our job is, earning a livelihood is a blessing," Medom said.
She maintained that people were resorting to easy life and becoming lazy to work, while highlighting how parents are landing up in harrowing situations being unable to pay off their debt after they take out loans from banks.
She also pointed how parents are getting into depression while longing for a respectable life, which in turn adversely affects their family and children.
"We forget that there is dignity in every labour while comparing our lives to others," she said, adding that because of the easy approach to life, parents are not able to teach their children the basic knowledge of labour.
Emphasising that "health is wealth," Medom asked the domestic workers to respect their job so that people will respect them and encouraged them to be more professional and be dedicated to their job.
She also asked them to maintain the trust between themselves and their employers and to put in their heart for the organisation, which is working for their betterment.
A short farewell programme for Sr. Theresa Langhu, outgoing co-ordinator of FDWA Kohima, was also held later.
Speaking on the occasion, she thanked all concerned for their aid towards domestic workers, adding that they are in "good shape" now, while expressing hope that these workers would "bear fruits" in the near future.
Maintaining that domestic workers hold a "big occupation" in the society, Sr. Langhu reminded the gathering not to be ashamed of their work. "Give your best to whatever work you do," she said.
She informed that self help groups of domestic workers have been formed, while their names have been submitted to the government for availing welfare schemes. She added that fixation of minimum wages is in the process.
It may be mentioned that Sr. Langhu will soon hold charge as the new co-ordinator of Anti-human Trafficking Project, Doomdooma Assam.
Veronica Buni, a domestic worker, acknowledged Sr. Langhu for her assistance, sacrifice and support towards them, adding that many of them have learnt how to write their names and put signatures.
She said that through the nun, many bank accounts, ration and ashram cards were opened while workshops, awareness and women programmes, etc. were conducted for their benefit.
She also maintained that despite the state reeling under COVID-19 pandemic, the nun, unmindful of her safety, went to every nook and corner to seek help, ration relief, among others for them and showed ways to earn their livelihood.
Floret Sekhose, PS to advisor of DUDA Secretariat, also lauded Sr. Langhu and FDWA staff under the care of St. Mary's Convent, Kohima for tirelessly catering to the needs of the marginalised section of people in the city. Also during the event, TS Joysee, another domestic worker, welcomed Sr. Agnes Khala, new coordinator of FDWA Kohima city and Agnes Kezo, new field staff of the organisation.