NDWM Nagaland Region in collaboration with ACID hosted an early celebration of International Domestic Workers Day in Dimapur on June 14.
Dimapur, June 14 (MExN): National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) Nagaland Region in collaboration with Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) hosted an early celebration of International Domestic Workers Day at Assisi Auditorium in Dimapur on June 14.
Every year, June 16 marks International Domestic Workers Day, a time to recognize the vital contributions of domestic workers globally. This day commemorates the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 189 in 2011, which formally acknowledged domestic work as legitimate labor deserving of rights and protection.
A press release received here stated that domestic workers, predominantly women and girls, are the backbone of many households and economies, providing essential services like cleaning, cooking, and care-giving. Despite their invaluable role, many, especially in India, remain in the informal sector, lacking job security, fair wages, and social protection.
“In Nagaland, with the increase of working women and nuclear families, domestic work is rising, yet exploitation and discrimination persist,” it stated.
“Let's collectively: Recognize domestic work as real work; Ensure domestic workers are included in labor laws; Provide access to healthcare, social security, and education; Promote respect, safety, and freedom from abuse,” it asserted.
Earlier, under the theme “From the Shadow to the Spotlight: Valuing Domestic Workers’ Contribution,” the event brought together over 300 domestic workers to honour their essential role in society.
In her welcoming address, Sr Pramila, Director of ACID and Coordinator of NDWM Nagaland Region said, “This celebration is not just a moment of joy, but a renewed call to action. It is a call to uplift domestic workers, ensure their voices are heard, and bring them out of the margins and into the light.”
In her address, guest of honour Sr Benny Fernandes acknowledged the often-invisible labour of domestic workers. “Because of you, our homes are clean, the sick are cared for, and our children and elders are looked after,” she said, emphasizing that their work underpins the community and economy. She urged for fair working conditions and rights protection, reminding the attendees that they are deeply valued.
Chief guest Dr Fr CP Anto, Principal of NEISSR emphasised the urgent need to eradicate child labor, citing statistics that “over 11,000 children in Nagaland and 58,000 across India are engaged in domestic work instead of being in school.”
Maya, a domestic worker, shared a testimony on behalf of her peers. “We should never feel that our work is small. We must hold our heads high because we are not less than anyone,” she declared, before singing a poignant song about the rights of domestic workers.
Priya, a legal advocate, praised the growing confidence among the workers to voice their concerns. “No one can take away your rights,” she affirmed, reassuring them of her unwavering support in their fight for justice and dignity. The event concluded with vote of thanks from Asela.
