Domestic workers seek reformation in existing laws

DIMAPUR — The president of All Nagaland Domestic Workers’ Union (ANDWU), Asangla, on Saturday underscored the urgent need for policy reforms and better enforcement of existing labour laws to safeguard the rights of domestic workers.

Asangla stated this during a programme to commemorate International Domestic Workers’ Day held at Assisi auditorium in Lake View Colony, Dimapur. The event was organised by the Nagaland region of National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM), in collaboration with the Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and All Nagaland Domestic Workers’ Union (ANDWU) on the theme “Care for those who care for them.”

Presenting a poignant account on the plight of domestic workers, Asangla highlighted the challenges they faced including low wages, lack of job security and insufficient social protection. She underscored an urgent need for policy reforms and better enforcement of existing labour laws to safeguard the rights of domestic workers.

She, therefore, urged the government to fulfill the demands of the domestic workers including minimum wage, enrolment of domestic workers in the schedule of employment and to recognise their work and the service they provide for the household.

The president of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and chief guest of the event, Vilanuo Angela Yhome, emphasised the indispensable role played by domestic workers. She lauded their dedication and hard work, which often go unnoticed and called for greater recognition and support for those workers.

The guest of honour and assistant labour commissioner, Visakhonuo, spoke in detail about various government schemes and enrolment processes available to domestic workers. She provided valuable insights into how those workers can access benefits designed to improve their working conditions and overall well-being.

An update from ANDWU stated that her address was aimed at empowering domestic workers with knowledge about their rights and the resources available to them.

In her welcome address, the coordinator of NDWM Nagaland chapter, Sr. Pramila Lobo, stated that the event was organised to celebrate the invaluable contribution of domestic workers who have dedicated their lives to caring for homes, families and society.

She added that the day is celebrated to honour the hard work, dedication and commitment of the domestic workers. She further urged the government to enroll domestic workers in the schedule of employment and to entitle them for minimum wage.

Rev. Fr. Johny, parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Dimapur, said the invocation prayer. He also described domestic workers as unsung heroes of the family, whose works go unnoticed, unrecognised and their voice not heard.

About 387 persons from NGO, village leaders, Goanbura, women leaders, church based and educational institutions attended the programme.

The event concluded with lively cultural presentations.