ANDWU holds annual meet, commemorates Human Rights Day

DIMAPUR — The All Nagaland Domestic Workers Union (ANDWU) held its annual general body meeting as well as commemorated Human Rights Day at the Assisi ground in Dimapur on December 15.

According to a press statement, the meeting discussed matters related to increasing membership, building strong leadership committees in the colonies, representation at group meetings, and future programmes.

Punam, a staff member of the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), shared details on registration fee payments and proper organisational structure and functioning. She stated that ANDWU has 1,633 members who have renewed their membership this year, of which 539 are locals and the rest are migrants.

Sr. Pramila, coordinator of NDWM in Nagaland, led a group activity on the occasion where members discussed questions such as “What do you expect from employers?” and “How should domestic workers behave in an employer’s house?”

The workers expressed that they expect respect, fair wages, safe working conditions, privacy, time off and leave, proper communication, and support from employers. They also recognised employer expectations of professionalism, punctuality, following instructions, confidentiality, taking initiative, neat appearance, honesty, and a positive attitude.

The workers felt that being part of the union has given them a sense of unity, support, skill building, advocacy for their rights, emotional support, and continuous learning as part of a large domestic worker family and identity.

Sr. Pramila acknowledged that through these learnings, the collective has grown not just as individual domestic workers but as a force that values respect, empowerment, and better working conditions.

She stated that their expectations revolve around empowerment, support, and advocacy for the well-being and growth of domestic workers by creating an environment where their contributions are recognised.

Over 300 members attended the meeting.

Also read: Domestic workers observe ‘World Day for Decent Work’