Women constitute 99.4% of workforce performing domestic work in India

June 11, 2024 4 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | June 11

Women constitute a staggering 99.4 % of the workforce performing care or domestic work in India. This was highlighted by Kekhrienuo Meyase, Member of Nagaland State Commission for Women while addressing the inauguration of Domestic Workers Week 2024 at LCS Building Kohima on June 10.

Asserting that centering decent work for domestic workers in the care economy in India involves addressing the critical need for fair labour practices, social protection, and recognition of their contributions, she underscored that, “domestic workers, who form a substantial part of the care economy, often face poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of social security.”

In this regard, she also spoke about the existing Acts and Welfare Policies namely Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008, Domestic Workers Welfare and Social Security Act, 2010 (Draft), Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and The Code on Social Security, 2020.

Despite these frameworks, she emphasised that, “implementation remains a challenge, with many domestic workers lacking awareness of their rights and entitlements.”

“Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, increasing awareness, and formalizing employment contracts can significantly enhance the working conditions and welfare of domestic workers in India’s care economy,” she stated.

She further pointed out that “turning the care economy, especially domestic care activities, into entrepreneurial ventures holds significant potential for mitigating unemployment and generating new career opportunities and livelihoods.” She underlined that “this approach involves formalizing and professionalizing care services, which can transform a traditionally informal sector into a structured industry with better working conditions and career prospects.”

Towards this end, the resource speaker further dwelt upon potentials and opportunities and highlighted on points such as Professionalization of Care Services, Creation of Care Service Agencies, Technology Integration, Micro-Enterprise Development, Government and NGO Support, Social Impact, and Economic Growth.

By exploring these potentials and opportunities, she underscored that “the care economy can not only address the issue of unemployment but also create a sustainable and dignified livelihood for millions of domestic workers, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and resilient economy.”

Highlights of the programme included invocation by Sr Teresa Pungdila, welcome note and glimpse of CDI Kohima by Sr Rincy Kamei, Centre for Development Initiatives, lighting of the Domestic Workers Week, special performance by Warriors of Domestic Workers, vote of thanks by Aneibu Theünuo, Field Animator, Centre for Development Initiatives, and concluding prayer by Domestic Workers. Sarah Swu, Field Animator, Centre for Development Initiatives was the moderator for the programme.