‘Recognise decent work for domestic workers’

June 11, 2023 38 Views No Comment

Morung Express news
Kohima | June 11

Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), Supervisor, Juliana Medom on Saturday emphasised on the need to know one’s rights ‘as many laws and programmes of the central government become challenging to implement, since many do not register and reap benefits of the same.’

She was delivering the keynote address during the Domestic Workers Week inauguration which kicked off under the theme, ‘Recognise decent work for domestic workers for their social protection and sustainable development,’ at Savio Kg School, D Block, Kohima on June 10.

Medom apprised the gathering about helpline numbers and the presence of Nagaland Adolescent Girls Club. In this regard, she urged the women to remember their duties, ‘as many at times we tend to fight for rights but forget the duties we have to perform.’

She further asked them to get trained and skilled in various fields which will not only provide jobs but contribute to their homes and the economy of the state.

Domestic worker, TS Joysee said that there need to be a fixed wage amount to provide dignity and confidence to their job. She added that skill training programmes enable them to make use of their skill.

Ferrando Domestic Workers’ Alliance (FDWA) Kohima, Coordinator, Sr Rincy Kamei informed that at present there are total 927 domestic workers registered and about 209 children domestic work place under FDWA in Kohima.

The coordinator shared that it was challenging to identify workers as many are unwilling to come forward and register even for their own benefit. She shared that most of the domestic workers were illiterate coming from backward areas and were underpaid, undervalued and poorly regulated at the same time lack of decent wages, working condition alongside abuse and sexual harassment at work place were some of the major issues faced by them.

NSCW, Member, Kekhrienuo Meyase stressed that a strong legislation was required to push for more policy change for the domestic workers and provide them the assistance required by them.

Due to rural to urban migration, many come to towns in search of jobs and the demand for domestic workers have risen high and because of the economy in comparison with the western, we are not able to provide them good paid packages and rules and regulations in the state, she added.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Agnes Kezo, invocation, Parish Priest, SFS church, Rev Fr. Mhabemo Mathew, special number by Nuzovolu Nienu, concluding prayer by Cathecist, Francis Petekhriezo and vote of thanks by Field Animator, Aneibu Theunuo