Post on 09-Apr-2018
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 1/12
SANDRA VAZ
Editorial In this Issue The 17th National Co-ordinator’s Mee State Level Leaders Meeting in Kerala Awareness programmes for Domestic
Workers in Secunderabad Leadership Training Programme First Anniversary Ban of Child Labou ILO Workshop on Skills Developmen Children’s Day Celebrations
Celebrations for Children at Indore MFA News Overseas News
DOMESDOMESDOMESDOMESDOMES TIC WORKERS’ LINK TIC WORKERS’ LINK TIC WORKERS’ LINK TIC WORKERS’ LINK TIC WORKERS’ LINK publication of the Domestic Workers’ Movement
December 2007
We are nearing the end of the year 2007. It is now time to retrospect. Are we ready for
the New Year? Shall we carry forward our unfinished plans or make newer ones? What
does the New Year have in store for us, would it be any different from the previous one?
Loads of questions... some with possibilities and yet many with uncertainties. And then it
is yet another year wherein time will go by as we immerse ourselves in the daily routine of
our life. Why should it be different from the other? or better still, Can we make it any
different from the other? The answer lies with each one of us.
If we look back at the year that was: we see the efforts of the Movement have been
consistent and commendable. Domestic Workers are being heard and taken seriously in
society. More and more news coverages are observed in the media, both in print and
broadcast. Government officials, Labour Ministers, Corporators and the Police are
collaborating towards providing better welfare for Domestic Workers. Awareness campaigns
and programmes are ongoing.
However, this may the case in some regions in India, many others are still struggling
to break down societal myths and traditions. Trafficking of women for forced labour is
still rampant. Many children are continued to be ‘sold’ to domestic service just as we
commemorate the first anniversary Ban on Child Labour. Above all, poverty still prevails,
leaving no other option for many but to be part of this workforce. So, as one region learns
from another through sharing and experience, together, we as a Movement, should striveto put an end to this indignity of labour in all regions. And we shall not stop till this
contemporary form of slavery is emancipated in all states of India with Domestic Workers
being recognized as workers of society and treated with dignity. This is the commitment
we make for the New Year which was spelled out clearly and zealously in the recent
National Co-ordinator’s Meet.
On Children’s Day, the 14th
of November, we were reminded about how every child
is special. Each child born in India and all over the world is a symbol that God has not
given up on us. They are the future of our nation and in every way, big or small, he or she
will contribute to making a difference in society. We have to constantly believe in them,
develop them and appreciate their talents. Yet, many children do not experience a full
childhood, some of them may not even live to see a future. These are classified as the
‘underprivileged.’ But why should there be any difference between children. The laughter,
the tears, the pride of achievement, the depression in failure are the same for every child.
A physician’s child, a teacher’s child, a construction worker’s child, a domestic worker’s
child all have equal rights to education and to childhood. The street urchins, the child
domestic workers, the child labourers are not to be excluded from this list.
So let us make a pledge this New Year, that we stand for social justice and help to
create a humane society where no distinction exists. Tall order to ask for but definitely
attainable. For with Hope comes Conviction and with Conviction comes Commitment and
that is the true essence of the process in a Movement.
The Cries of
Today’s ChildrenI hear the cries of children,
Of children of the world;
The unwanted and unlucky,
The orphans and of streets!
I hear the cries of children,
Of children who want love;
The illiterate, sick, handicapped;
Poor, without any sheets!
I hear the cries of children,
Of children that must work;
To earn while young for family,
Have no place, time to play!
I hear the cries of children,
Of children war-ravaged;Who know not what is joy in life,
Living in squalor, strife!
Let’s make this world for
children,
A better place to live;
With encouragement, dignity,
And all love, we can give.
DR. JOHN CELES
Vol. 15 No. 4
M 1 B 1
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 2/12
2
M2 B 2
National Co-ordinator’s Meet
The 17th National Co-ordinator’s Meet 2007
The Meet opened in a prayerful
gathering. Members were silenced and
made to listen to their hearts, minds and
the voices of our people—domestic
workers: children, girls and women,
pleading to us to wipe away their tears
of sorrow, borne by them in the silence
of their heart, and to give them a chance
for joy. A profound presentation displayed
the expressions of these domestic
workers calling out to us in the lyrics of the Hymn: ‘The Silence and the Sorrow.’
The words of Jesus, echoed through the
Gospel: “ I have come so that you have
life and life to the fullest…”
The Opening of the Meet
At the Inaugural Ceremony, our guests
were welcomed. They included: Srs.
Miriam and Mary Pauline, President and
Superior of the Congregation of FSM
Nuns; Frs. Paul and Sebastian, Passionist
Fathers; Fr. Faustine Lobo, Chairpersonof Commission of Pastoral Plan and
Director of Caritas. In her keynote
address, Sr. Jeanne Devos, National Co-
ordinator, re-iterated the vision of the
Movement and was pleased to see the
Movement grow into all the ends of
India—north, south, east and west—an
amalgamation of cultures and
backgrounds, all come together to serve
one purpose—to change the lives of
Domestic Workers, emancipate them
from this contemporary form of slaveryand ‘to give them life to the full.’ She
commended the consistency and
persistence of the Movement and
stressed on her long standing statement:
“We shall not give in, we shall not give
up and we shall not grow tired.” She
remarked that change is visible. We see
Domestic Workers—both children and
women, are being taken seriously by
both employers and government officials.
The 17th National Co-ordinator’s Meet was held on the 24th— 2 5th November 2007 at Bangalore. Twenty regions participatedin the two day programme conducted to evaluate the work of the Movement in the past year, address the challenges
and plan for the coming yearOur guests had encouraging
commendations for the Movement. Sr.
Miriam admired the work of the
Movement and applauded the
commitment of its members. She knew
that this was a gigantic task nonetheless
we have chosen to move along the road
less-travelled. Fr. Faustine Lobo
expressed that the Indian society has not
yet been rid of the evils of untouchability.
Although, it may seem that casteism hasbeen eradicated, the indignity faced by
domestic workers keeps this evil very
much alive. He stressed upon the need
to focus our attention into making the
Domestic Workers aware of their rights,
encourage and motivate them to achieve
the same. All other welfare will follow
right upto the dignity they deserve.
Fr. Paul indicated that solidarity needs
to be built up among Domestic Workers
which would be their strength when
fighting for their rights. He also said thatit is important to network with like-
minded organisations who are also
fighting for this common cause. He
assured us that our voices and the voices
of Domestic Workers will reach the
United Nations with the appointment of
Fr. Kevin, a member of their
congregation.
Assessment of the Six Task Forces
Fr. Felix, President of the Movement
facilitated the entire programme andinvited every region to indicate two
significant achievements. It was
encouraging to note that even if a region
has been functioning for over a period
of ten years or whether it was a new
incumbent, they all showed promising
achievements especially in the areas of
Legislation and Policy and Awareness
Campaigns.
To enable the functioning of the
Movement, according to the objectives
envisioned, six task forces are defined
Anti-Trafficking, Social Security
Networking & Unionizing Training and
Capacity Building, Legislation & Policy
and Children in Domestic Work. The
sessions that followed were an
evaluation of the regional operations over
each of these task forces. A broad
understanding of the issues werehighlighted, the success and
achievements were lauded, the
weaknesses looked into for feasible
work functions. The SWOT analysis
(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities
and Threats) enabled each task force to
check on the challenges and work
together for viable solutions, through
sharing and learning from each others’
experiences.
The Hope Centre for
Traumatised Children
On the issue of Child Domestic Workers
significant work has begun in
collaboration with St. John’s Medica
College and KU Leuven, Belgium
Earlier in May, delegates from NDWM
were invited for the Second Internationa
Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect
They visited the Confidential Centre, a
home that provided trauma counseling
through love and therapy for victimized
children. In lines with this, a similar centrewill be set up for such children, starting
with children in domestic work. The
Hope Center (as it will be called) will
help traumatised children, victims of
abuse—sexual, physical and mental, to
heal and to be put on the right track to
live in society. This will be carried out
with the expert assistance of psychiatrists
at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 3/12
3
M 3 B 3
National Co-ordinator’s Meet
The Hope Centre is located in the Rural District of Bangalore and is
near completion. Some members of the Movement had the opportunity
to visit the place and remarked at the work done to create an atmosphere
of homeliness. During the Meet, regional members were invited to enroll
for training sessions on trauma counselling to be conducted by a team
of experts from KU Leuven.The Identity of the Movement
In her inaugural address, Sr. Jeanne invited the members to clearly
understand the identity of the Movement and to ensure that all work
carried out through the Movement centered around the Empowerment
of Domestic Workers, giving them dignity, social security and justice.
“Ours should not only be a needs based approach but a rights-based
one,” she strongly indicated, for she knew that if we fail to give them a
place in society, no one will do it. Later in the programme, she spelled
out her ultimate vision for the Movement and that is to see Domestic
Workers addressed according to the dignity of their labour and to take
on the task of standing for themselves and owning the Movement. So
all members of the Movement should follow the three-pronged approach:1. Give Domestic Workers the capacity to be empowered. 2. Support
them continuously to build their solidarity, 3. Assist them in attaining
dignity and justice through awareness campaigns, advocacy and
lobbying. She stressed that this is the identity of the Movement and
every member should represent it. “Anti-trafficking, drug abuse, HIV/
AIDS, Anti-Paedophilia are the outflow of our support to Domestic
Workers. But our focus should not be only in these areas, for we are
here first for Domestic Workers.” she added. Sr. Jeanne exclaimed
that if Domestic Workers are made to work even when they are old
and frail—then we have failed, if a child domestic worker has to watch
other children go to school—then we have failed. But to see a Domesticworker wear a uniform while at work—that is success, a child domestic
worker is given an opportunity to go to school—then we have succeeded.
The Close of the Meet
Towards the close of the Meet, based on the findings of the SWOT
analysis, members were invited to sit in their respective task force
groups and work out feasible plans for the coming year. Thereby each
region drew up a Plan of Action for the months of January-March ’ 08
alongwith the arrangements for the celebration of Domestic Workers’
Day on the 9th
January and the International Day of Hope for Children
on 17th
February. The Meet also looked at the functional areas of
Movement: reporting of activities, functions and accounts in regions
and production of publications, which are required for administration
purposes. Formats were devised to enable the operations to run
effectively.
The Meet closed with all members geared to take on their task
with renewed zeal and enthusiasm—to create a just society where
domestic workers are treated with dignity; their rights upheld, their
contribution towards economy and development recognized and their
voices heard. Further, to create a society where all children can enjoy
the right to education and full childhood.
SANDRA VAZ
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 4/12
4
M4 B 4
State Level Leaders Meeting The third meeting of State Level Leaders was held at AICUF Center, Trivandrum, Kerala, on 22nd and 23rd September.The Meet brought together leaders of Domestic Workers in a forum to motivate and strengthen their groups and to
work for their rights and justice.
Leaders Meet
There were seven elected leaders each from Thrissur,
Ernakulam and Trivandrum and three leaders from Kollam
besides the staff.
The inaugural function was graced by Mrs. Rohini Kumari,
District Executive Officer of Kerala Artisans and Skilled
Workers’ Welfare Fund, Trivandrum, who was the chief guest
at the Meet. In her welcome address, Sr. Sally Michael,
Regional Co-ordinator of Kerala Domestic Workers’
Movement, highlighted the history and work of the Movement
in Kerala and India. She informed the delegates and
participants of the status of the Unorganised Sector Workers’Bill—on how Domestic Workers were now included in this
Bill but that the Bill was not satisfactory. Further, she indicated
that although the State Government has declared social security
schemes for Domestic Workers, only members of the welfare
fund will benefit from it. However, she appreciated the co-
operation given by Mrs. Rohini Kumari in including the domestic
workers in the Artisans and Skilled Workers’ Welfare Fund
and for accepting the Labour Certificate issued by the
Domestic Workers Movement.
In her address, Mrs. Rohini Kumari explained the
requirements, benefits, etc., of the Kerala Artisans and Skilled
Workers’ Welfare Fund which was formed in 1986. Shereminded the Domestic Workers to continue their efforts in
pressurizing the government to introduce pension schemes
and other benefits. Programme Co-ordinator, Dennish Michael,
presented a detailed report of the 1st
and 2nd
meeting of the
State Level Leaders for better participation and follow up
among the members. He also mentioned about the important
events in the Movement during the last two years and the
efforts taken in preventing Human Trafficking and Child
Labour. He stressed upon the fact that India is the source and
destination for trafficking women and children. In a survey
conducted by the Movement, children up to 17 years of age
are likely to be trafficked for domestic work. This can be
prevented to a great extent through awareness programmes
conducted through NGOs, counseling, education to children
legal aid, etc. Trivandrum animator, Asha Rani and Sr. Metilda
also provided inputs on the issue during the session.
The programme facilitated the leaders who are Domestic
Workers to stand, act and move together. Sr. Sally led them
into an interactive session stressing this need and motivating
the leaders to increase the strength of the Movement byintroducing newer members and enlivening the group with
more active and effective programmes.
Age limit is 18 – 55 years There is a monthly subscription of Rs. 10/- Along with the application for membership in the
Welfare Fund, age certificate, labour certificate and
two-passport size photographs are to be submitted The District Chief Executive Officer of the Artisans
and Skilled Workers Welfare Fund will issue anidentity card
On getting this card Domestic Workers have toopen an account in the State Bank of Travancore
The subscription for 1 year or 6 months should bedeposited together
A person can have only one welfare fund
Requirements for enrollment into the KeralaArtisan and Skilled Workers Welfare Fund
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 5/12
5
M 5 B 5
Leaders Meet
The Government of Kerala recently issued an orderto implement Social Security Schemes for some ofthe unorganized labourers including the DomesticWorkers. However, since Domestic Workers have not
yet become members of any welfare fund they hadno eligibility to claim any of such benefits.
The meetings of the Kerala Domestic Workers’Movement with the Labour Minister, LabourCommissioners and officials in the Labour WelfareFund, Artisans, and Skilled Workers Welfare Fundon various days have resulted in the inclusion ofDomestic Workers in the Artisans and Skilled WorkersWelfare Fund. In order to join any Welfare Fund,usually a Trade Union or Labour Officer should issuethe Labour Certificate. Since we could convince the
Commissioner of Labour Welfare Fund and theExecutive Officer of Artisans and Skilled WorkersWelfare Fund, it was agreed that the NationalDomestic Workers’ Movement could issue LabourCertificate to the Domestic Workers.
This is a great achievement for us. We are surethat this will strengthen the process in preventingtrafficking.
A Public Speaking Session was conducted to help leaders
prepare and deliver speeches about Issues of Domestic Workers
and the Aims and Objectives of the Domestic Workers Movement
This workshop trained each leader to speak in front of an imaginary
Labour Minister, Corporation Mayors, M.L.A.s. (Ms. Asha Rani
Sherin and Sr. Metilda acted as these dignitaries) and the audience
from various walks of life. Feedback was given to each one after
their performance. The participants performed this exercise verywell and appreciated it, expressing that it was a real learning
experience for them.
There was a General Session to discuss various issues
possibilities, etc and to clarify doubts. The implementation o
Minimum Wages was one of the important points of discussion
The concerns of the exploitation of Domestic Workers at the
Naval Base was also discussed in detail and it was decided to
study the issue seriously, collect the data and to submit a complain
to Mrs. Pratibha Patil, the President of India and Mr. A. K. Antony
the Union Minister for Defence.
While the group work was going on, the staff got together to
share the important events and activities in various districts—awareness programs, skills training, capacity building of leaders
networking, advocacy and lobbying, insurance schemes, group
formations, meetings, etc. Dennish Michael evaluated district leve
activities, and worked out future programs.
Cultural programs were also conducted. The district level
teams had come prepared with skits, dances, songs, poems and
comics. Every one enjoyed the two-day Meet.
In conclusion, Sr. Sally spoke about the duties and
responsibilities of the Animators and the Leaders in the planning
and implementation of the activities of the Movement to achieve
its objectives. Fr. Eugenie Pereira gave the concluding messageand distributed membership forms for the welfare fund.
After the evaluation of the workshop, Memy Thankappan
sang a song and thanked every one on behalf of the organization.
The input sessions helped the leaders to deepen their knowledge
about the different realities, which exist in the society. Different
exercises enabled them to bring out their potentials and capacities
They expressed their joy of being together and went back to their
places with renewed spirit and enthusiasm to make the Movemen
strong.
SR. SALLY MICHAEL
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 6/12
6
M6 B 6
for the Empowerment of Domestic Workers
The Movement at Andhra Pradesh has
been consistently bringing Domestic
Workers together so that they could
discuss issues related to them with the
help of experts who would help and guide
them. This effort is done to create a
common platform for interaction, training
and capacity building which would in turn
empower them and assist them in achieving dignity and justice.
A six-day training programme for the Domestic Workers spread
over a period of three months was conducted, keeping in mind
the feasibility for them to attend the sessions. The expected
outcome of the workshop would be to create enlightened and
committed leaders who would take responsibility for
themselves and their co-Domestic Workers in their
communities over all matters of justice, education and
empowerment.
The first phase of the training was organized on 16-17th
October and the second was held on the 27th—28
thNovember.
The first programme centered around providing awareness
of rights and legal provisions for children and women. The
second one paid special attention to the participation of theDomestic Workers in taking initiatives for legal justice .
Orientation was given on a wide range of issues like Para
Legal Service, Health and Hygiene, Value of Domestic Work,
Role of Leaders, Power of Positive Thinking, Social Analysis,
Social Welfare measures for Below Poverty Line (BPL)
groups and Act/Bill on Domestic Violence. Domestic Workers
were made aware of the various service systems in the society
such as education for children, health centers, civil supplies,
legal system, etc. During the health sessions, the leaders were
informed on common illnesses and the measures to be taken
for good health. The session on the role of leaders helped
them become responsible for the services already available inthe community, how to get to these services, how to help others,
need for having a vision, devising strategies to achieve them
and how to work together in fulfilling their expected goal.
The training sessions also included the role of positive
thinking in helping Domestic Workers fulfill their dreams as
individuals and as groups. The exercises on imagination helped
the Domestic Workers to bring out their innate potential of
Six-day Awareness Programmes for
A Six day Training Programme for Empowerment of Domestic Workers is being conducted over a period of threemonths. Domestic Workers got the opportunity to understand their rights and legal provisions through experts
The exercises helped them realizetheir own potential and how in
difficult situations they could applythe power of imagination and
positive thinking to overcome theirlimitation and face challenges in life
energy and strength which otherwise
lies dormant. The group participated in
the exercises without any inhibition and
was prompt in sharing their experience
The exercises helped them realize their
own potential and how in difficul
situations they could apply the power
of imagination and positive thinking to
overcome their limitation and face challenges in life. The session
on social analysis helped the participants to look at the choices
they made in life and differentiate them from needs and wants
It also helped them to take responsibility for their behavior
overcome prejudices and maintain relationship. The Act on
Domestic Violence enabled them to realize their rights as
human beings, citizens, women and as workers. They were
helped to distinguish between violence on them, rights and
process involved to receive justice.
All participants benefitted tremendously from these
workshops: the knowledge of various issues, the courage to
face the realities of life, commitments to the community of
domestic workers, confidence to express themselves and the
determination to create a just world for all, specially forthemselves, their children, families and community.
They were also determined to share the information with
others, bring greater participation in the coming meetings and
take leadership to initiate the process of empowerment. They
especially remarked how the intervention of the Movement
in the life of the Domestic Workers has helped them improve
their personality skills, thinking patterns and their positive
approach to life. The leaders appreciated the assistance given
to them in availing financial support through government
schemes and the programmes conducted for them to learn of
their rights as workers and the need to fight for justice. They
understood the importance of establishing a Union which wouldbuild up their solidarity and stand for just wages and other
welfare measures. The meeting concluded with few leaders
among Domestic Workers volunteering to form core groups
to represent the Movement and take up necessary action
The session was planned and animated by the animators
themselves sharing roles and responsibilities among themselves
STAFF- NDWM-AP
Domestic Workers at Secunderabad
We need to continually look within ourselves. Contemplate our inner being and find our own
unique voice and then learn to heed it and we will then have the life experience we deserve.
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 7/12
7
M 7 B 7
Anti- Child Labour Day
Leadership Training Program for Domestic Workers in Mumbai
A two-hour Leadership Training Program for Domestic Workers was held at St. Xavier’s Schoo
Hall, Vile Parle, Mumbai, on 11th
November. Fourteen Domestic Workers from four different parishesnamely Our Lady of Bethlehem Church, Dongri; St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra; Good Shepherd
Church, Four Bungalows and Sanpada; participated in the training program. It was specifically held
for Domestic Workers who have either recently assumed leadership roles or who have already been
in leadership.
The program aimed at keeping them abreast with the dynamics of leadership and motivating them to
lead others in their respective groups. The session kickstarted with games conducted by Brother
Melroy.
Mr. Valerian D’Souza and Mr. Mariam Kedari—the two resource persons for the day gave invaluable
inputs to the participants. The participants were enthralled and drawn into an animated discussion on
problems confronted by them and steps they would need to take to extricate themselves from it. The
participants were able to see the issues plaguing them in a new light thanks to the two resource
persons that facilitated the process.
The training session culminated with a brief input session given by Sr. Jacinta which was the icing on
the cake. She briefly elucidated on concrete plans that they would need to take up and very ably drew
out from the participants their plans of action. It was truly a fruitful endeavour with the participants
crying out for more.
BROTHER MELROY, BOMBAY HOUSEWORKERS’ SOLIDARITY
The participantswere drawn into
an animateddiscussion
on problemsconfronted by them
and steps they
would need to taketo extricate
themselves from it
Leaders of Domestic Workers groups participate in a training programme conducted at the parish-level
This programme was held in Mumbai on the 9th
October with the purpose of sensitizing
the public on the issue and evils of child labour. The campaign encouraged children to
participate in the event and create awareness of their rights.
The programme started at 3.30 pm. at Helen Garden where children from different
areas came together with their group leaders and inaugurated the programme by
cutting the ribbon. In all, there were about 85 children who participated in the event.
A stall was set up to provide information about the problems faced by children. The
information was printed on posters, charts, hand bill and banners.
Ashish Shigwan Gave, member of Bombay Houseworkers’ Solidarity informed
the public about the work of the Movement and its efforts to protect the rights of thechildren. He also gave inputs on the issue of children in Domestic Work and their
problems. Nirmala Bhansat, another member, spoke about child rights and the
Government’s Ban on Child Labour which was implemented on 10th
October 2006.
She made strong reference to the fact that although the Ban has been enforced and
already a year has passed since then, yet many young children are still working in different areas and fields.
The members encouraged the children to set up a Bal Kamgar Virodhi Sangh in their local area. The children nominated
Pallavi and Justin as leaders of Bal Kamgar Virodhi Sangh and they made plans for the issue of children in Domestic Work.
The event was supported by the local Corporators and the members of various political parties. We thank them for their
collaboration and co-operation
MR. ASHISH, BOMBAY HOUSEWORKERS’ SOLIDARITY
First Anniversary Ban on Child LaborBombay Houseworkers’ Solidarity conducted a rally and awareness
programme to commemorate the First AnniversaryBan on Child Labour on 10th October 2007
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 8/12
8
M8 B 8
Networking for Capacity Building of Domestic Workers
ILO Workshop on Skills Development Initiative
Skills Development has always been an important task of theGovernment of India. This has prompted the Ministry of Labour
and Employment to carry out a series of initiatives in meeting
this challenge. One of such initiative, the Skills Development
Initiative, aims to provide skills to one million workers over
the next five years and one million workers each year after
that. The initiative combines the development and provision
of short-term training courses (‘Modular Employable Skills or
MES) and certification based on a public and private
partnership.
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) in
collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment,
conducted a two-day workshop on Skills Development Initiative
for Clusters with a focus on Domestic Work. This was held
on the 17th
and 18th
October 2007. Sr. Lissy, Regional Co-
ordinator of Andhra Pradesh and Member of the Core National
Team, represented the Movement at this workshop. She has
been recently conferred with a Ph.D after presenting her thesis
on Stress and Coping Pattern among Domestic Workers
in the City of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. She was pleased
to share the findings of her work on the topic of Human
Development of Domestic Workers which is very close to
her heart. Her presentation highlighted her ideas and insights
on the following issues:1. General situation of domestic workers
2. Characteristics of domestic work
3. The occupational mobility— scope to work in another
occupation
4. The skills sets both life skills and vocational skills
especially the ones that help overcome challenges
5. Challenges and opportunities
While indicating the situation of Domestic Workers: their
living and working conditions and their exploitation by
employers and government, Sr. Lissy clarified that it was
necessary to look for a solution which is more radical. She is
convinced that the solution lies to a large extent in adopting,
pushing and realizing the ILO goal of “Promoting decent and
productive work for women and men in condition of freedom,
equity, security, and human dignity.” She stressed that it is
important to reduce the serious Decent Work deficit that exists
in the informal sector and particularly among women in the
domestic work with Vocational Training as its main instrument.
Sr. Lissy believes that the only way this goal can be met
would be to increase the productivity and improve the working
conditions of Domestic Workers and give them an opportunity
A workshop conducted to understand, design and develop training modules to enhance the skills ofDomestic Workers. At this Forum, Sr. Lissy presents her experiences in Capacity Building for Domestic Workers
The ILO is partnering with the Ministry of Labour &Employment in operationalising the Skills DevelopmentInitiative by designing and undertaking a pilotprogramme with a focus on four selected clusters.These clusters are namely: Brassware (Moradabad, UP),Glassware (Firozabad, UP), Textile (Namakkal, TN) andDomestic Workers (Delhi).A series of stakeholders’ consultation workshops areplanned to gain better understanding of the currentsituation and needs in each cluster and obtain furtherinputs to the programme formulation.The workshop in Delhi (17-18 October 2007) is the thirdin a series of the consultation and addresses for theDomestic Work sector. While Domestic Work is notassociated with any specific geographical area, but highlyconcentrated in the Metro areas, Delhi has been selectedas the target area.
for upward mobility. It would be an essential part of the nationastrategy to reduce poverty and would require appropriate
regulatory framework to deal with the lack of recognition of
qualifications and skills and the exclusion of Domestic Workers
from social security.
Sr. Lissy felt that the challenge now lies in providing access
to vocational training, which has often been lagging behind
other interventions, such as credit, which is easily available to
workers in the informal sector and particularly to the domestic
work service sector. “The need to go beyond credit to human
development through education and training in the informa
sector is emerging as a priority among researchers, practitioners
and policy makers.”
In the case of domestic service, she recommended a
system of graded minimums for domestic work as that which
applies to other industries. She proposed that a Nationa
Vocational Education and Training Authority be set up which
will ensure that the skill requirements of the sector are
identified and readily available. In conclusion, Sr. Lissy said
“I would like to end by saying that the challenge looks huge
but if we believe in our VISION and for me to have a Vision
is to see the future happening in the present, we will be able
to realize our vision of a better future for all the groups we
are working with.”COMPILED FROM THE PRESENTATION REPORT OF SR. LISSY AT THE WORKSHOP
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 9/12
9
M 9 B 9
Happy Children’s Day
Children’s Day signifies the celebration of one of the most important treasures we
have in the world. Bombay Houseworkers’ Solidarity organized a special eventfor them at St. Blaise High School, Andheri West, Mumbai, on 14
thNovember
This event was especially conducted to express how special children are and to
help them believe that they are the hope and joy of the country, being responsible
for the social progress of the nation. More than 300 children participated in this
programme. They were children of Domestic Workers, children in domestic work
child labourers and children from shelter homes.
The programme commenced at 9:30 a.m. and children were served breakfast
lunch and snacks. They played in the adjacent playground and the games and
entertainment kept the spirits of the children alive as they joined in the singing and
dancing. Sr. Jeanne Devos, National Co-ordinator, indicated that Nehru’s purpose
of having a special day set aside for children was because he, like many members
in society, believe that children are the future of economic and social growth of
the nation. She displayed four balloons: Orange—signifying the Love for children
White—the Joy of being a child, Green—the hope of a new life and Blue—the
assistance given to children. All these coloured balloons put together make up the
Tricolor of the India National flag, which symbolically indicated that the Indian
children are the pride of our nation.
During the day, children were informed of their rights to childhood and the
importance of education. Further, the Movement stressed that ‘Domestic Work
isn’t Child’s Play,’ and children should use these formative years to learn, recreate
and develop themselves instead of working. An interesting animation film captivated
the children as they watched how little Raju went all out to find his friend who
was engaged in child labour. In the process, he discovered so many other childrensubjected to this work and denied their rights of education and childhood. After
the film, the children were encouraged to give their views about the movie and the
importance of their rights. Three children who were now in their teen years gave
testimony to how education gave them a better focus of their lives and have set
them on the right track for personal development. The programme also included
awareness of the environment—dangers of global warming and use of plastic.
The programme concluded at 4:30 pm leaving every child with a strong feeling
of belonging in society. The fact that they assembled in such large numbers brough
together a solidarity that made each child feel secure and important.
Children’s Day CelebrationsBombay Houseworkers’ Solidarity celebrate Children’s Day with over 300 children
On the 2nd
November, children of 200 Domestic Workers were invited to a celebration at Hotel Sayaji, Indore. It was its 11t
anniversary and in commemoration a musical evening was organised for the under privileged, handicapped children and
children of Domestic Workers. The children enjoyed the evening tasting delicious food and ice-cream, drinking, dancing and
playing on the beautiful lawns of the hotel. It was truly a memorable day for them as they returned home with a packet of
coloured pencils.
On the 16th November, a Baal Mela was organized in Indore for three days. More than 1000 children were present
These children were from seven states and our Domestic Workers’ children were also present. It was an opportunity to
interact with other children and develop their talents.
Celebrations forChildren at IndoreTwo beautiful events at Indore brought together children of domestic workershandicapped, underprivileged and other children to days of fun and camaraderie
PATRICIAANN CALDEIRA, VOLUNTEER FOR NATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS’ MOVEMENT
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 10/12
10
M1 0B10
MFA & Overseas News
Transient Workers Count, Too (TWC2) in Singapore has now provisional membership
to the MFA network. St. Francis Workers Centre (SFWC) and Humanitarian
Organization on Migration Economics (HOME) have both given endorsement to
TWC2 to be a member of MFA.TWC2 is an organization established in 2004 aimed to promote respect for
Domestic Workers through education and secure better treatment of Domestic
Workers through legislation and other means. TWC2 started as an ad hoc group
called The Working Committee 2 in response to the death of an Indonesian migrant
Domestic Worker brutally assaulted by her employer in 2003. TWC2 has since
grown into a reliable contact point for Domestic Workers who encounter problems
with their employers, a source of information for employers and the public, and a
centre for generating action-oriented research.
Reports closely connected with issues
of child labour, migration and traffickingof people; gender economic justice and
human rights were presented at the
CIDSE conference at Netherlands. The
occasion was the 40th
anniversary of
the Populorum Progressio (PP), the
Encyclical of Pope Paul the VIth, on the
Social Teaching of the Church. The story
was prepared by a selected team of
members of NDWM at the behest of
Broederlijk Delen. Sr. Lissy represented
the Movement at the Conference held
on the 24th
-26th
October 2007 atSoesterberg, Netherlands. She explained
the Work of the Movement through
various case studies of victims and
described how the Populorum Progressio
(PP) and Catholic Social Teaching (CST)
have had a strong influence in the work
of the Movement.
Below is an extract of her presentation:
The social teachings of Pope Paul
VI in PP, in their ‘principles of
reflection,’ in their ‘criteria of
judgement,’ in their basic ‘directives for
action,’ and above all in its vital link with
the Gospel of the Lord have been the
fundamental inspiration, the impetus,
focus and guidance for the work of
NDWM. These have helped to
influence and guide the formulation of
NDWM vision, its goals and objectives,
its strategies, interventions, issues for
advocacy of Children in Domestic Work
(CDWs) and Domestic Workers (DWs)
and methodology of empowering theDomestic Workers. They have above all
inspired us in our journey towards
embracing the apostolate of social
concern and justice, and the spirituality
of solidarity with the poor that springs
from it. Our prioirty focus should be the
application of these values by grounding
all the Church’s work as an advocate
for global justice in the light of the
Church’s Social Teachings.
CIDSE Conference
at Netherlands
MFA welcomes TWC2 to the network
On September 24, 2007, a national consultation was convened in Manila by the
Task Force in ASEAN Migrant Workers. This was the 4th
country-based
consultation, following Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The consultation produced
a Manila Statement that contains two sets of recommendations —one for the ASEAN
body as a collective and one for the Philippine government on the ways to move
forward the commitment to promote and protect the human rights of overseas
Filipino migrant workers and their families as well as the other migrant workers in
ASEAN.
Manila Consultation: Taskforce produces Statement
on the Rights of Migrant Workers in ASEAN
The Senate has approved on second reading a Bill establishing a “freedom charter”meant to improve the job conditions and uplift the quality of life of the country’s
more than 624,000 househelpers. Under the proposed Magna Carta for Household
Helpers, authored by Sen. Loren Legarda, all domestic staff would be expressly
guaranteed the right to just and humane working as well as living conditions, among
other freedoms.
PRESS STATEMENT, OCTOBER 3, 2007 MADE BY SENATOR LOREN B. LEGARDA
Senate OKs Freedom Charter for Domestic Workers
The Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW) member organizations
have planned activities for November 25 International Day for the Elimination of
Violence Against Women and 16 Days of Activism as part of their work to demand
the rights of women, in different sectors, are protected and promoted. Just two
examples include ATKI, an association of Indonesian Domestic Workers in Hong
Kong, which is campaigning for proper implementation of laws that affect domestic
Workers, and AMUMRA in Argentina who are continuing pressure to ensure the
proper implementation of the Argentinian law that affects migrant women.
GAATW stands in solidarity with our members and with women’s’ and human
rights group all around the globe in calling for an end to violence against women.
Statement for International Day for the
Elimination of Violence Against Women
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 11/12
11
M11 B11
Families of slainworkers want Justice
MFA & Overseas News
Relatives of two migrant workers killed in Saudi
Arabia and of two others seriously injured have
demanded justice to the Saudi family allegedly
involved in the torture and killings.
“No pardon for the killers. For the sake of justice,
the Saudi Arabian court should punish them as
harshly as possible,” Siti’s husband, Hamid said as
he wiped tears from his eyes. Under Saudi law,
convicted killers sentenced to death can escapeexecution if they are pardoned by the family of the
victim. Susmiyati’s younger brother, Supomo, said
the family had received an official pardon request
from the killers, “but we have decided not to give it.
Justice must be upheld in the case”.
The two bodies arrived in Indonesia, Saturday
afternoon. Families of Susmiyati and Siti received
compensation of Rp 65 million (US$7,100) each from
an insurance company that provides coverage for
migrant workers, and Rp 10 million each from the
labour export company that sent them to SaudiArabia.
The two died in August after they, along with
two other Indonesian migrant workers, Rumini and
Tari, were tortured by seven members of the family
employing them in Alfaj, a village south of Riyadh.
The Indonesians had been accused of practicing
black magic on their employer’s sick son.
Rumini and Tari, who are still recovering from
their injuries, are still in Riyadh providing testimony
for the lower court hearing the case. Tari’s husband,
Deden, and Rumini’s older brother, Ahmad, called
on the government to expedite the return of the twowomen to Indonesia.
Migrant Care Executive Director, Anis
Hidayah, called on the government to reach a
bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia to ensure the
protection of Indonesians working in the country.
“This case is no longer an individual case
because numerous Indonesian workers have been
abused, raped and killed in the Middle East,” she
said.
RIDWAN MAX SIJABAT, THE JAKARTA POST, JAKARTA
This report is a follow-up of the News of the four
abused migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, two ofwhom were killed. The news report was featuredin last issue of the Domestic Workers’ Link.
Riyadh: Following long delays and difficulties in getting housemaidsfrom Indonesia and the Philippines, the chairman of the national
recruitment committee at the Council of the Saudi Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), Sa’ad Al Baddah, said that Nepal
has recently agreed to send housemaids to Saudi Arabia.
A delegation from CSCCI recruitment committee had visited Nepa
during the first quarter of the year to discuss the issue with the Nepalese
agencies. Al Baddah said in press statements earlier this week that his
committee would, after a month, start making necessary arrangements
for the recruitment of Nepalese housemaids. He added that the
committee would set up training centres in Nepal.
The Indonesian and Philippines authorities, in a move to improve
conditions of housemaids from these countries working in the Kingdomasked among other conditions, an increase in monthly salary of
housemaids. The Philippines government has put tough recruitment
conditions, including doubling of the monthly salary for every housemaid
to 1,500 Riyals (about Dh1,469). The expected monthly salary for a
Nepalese housemaid, Al Baddah said, would be between 400 to 500
Saudi Riyals.
He expects between 5,000 and 7,000 Nepalese housemaids to arrive
in Saudi Arabia every month, without specifying when the first group
will arrive and whether Saudi Arabia would halt recruitment of
housemaids from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Saudi households turn toNepalese domestic help
BY MARIAM AL HAKEEM, CORRESPONDENT, PUBLISHED: SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
If you cannot afford to pay a maid RM1,400 a month, don’t even think
about hiring one from India. Employers looking to hire maids from India
must also put up a whopping bank guarantee of about RM9,000, to be
deposited with the Indian High Commission.
The maid’s minimum wage is set at RM1,400 per month and she
must be provided with a prepaid mobile phone as part of mandatory
requirements issued by the Indian High Commission. Flight costs and
other miscellaneous expenses are also to be borne by the employer. A
copy of the conditions and “contract of employment for maid” is availableat the Indian High Commission.
The High Commission’s First Secretary (Consular), S.K. Mehrotra
said the employment contract should be between the worker and the
employer directly, and not through any agent. “If the employer is not
happy with the maid, he can send her back. Training is not a requiremen
yet, as both countries (Malaysia and India) have not signed any bilateral
agreement on the hiring of maids.”
Currently, there are many Indian women working as maids in most
Middle Eastern countries.
Costly to hire Indian maids
EXCERPTS FROM NEWS REPORT BY M. KRISHNAMOORTHY
8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/newsletter-december-2007-ndwm-national-domestic-workers-movement 12/12
Christmas Is a Time
for Love and LifeChristmas is a time for love and life,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those
whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and life.
For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish
never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and life,
Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,
For God loves all, and turns His back
on none,Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and life,
A time to give your heart to everyone
Merry Christmas withevery good wish for aHappy New Year
Best Wishes from all
at the National Office of the
National Domestic Workers’ Movement,
Mumbai
B O O K - P O S T
T o ,
F o r C o r r e s p o n d e n c e : T h e E d i t o r , N
a t i o n a l D o m e s t i c W o r k e r s ’ M o v e m e n t
1 0 4 , S
t . M a r y ’ s A p t s A w i n g , N e s b i t R d . ,
M a z g a o n , M u m b a i - 4 0 0 0 1 0 . E m a i l : s
a n d r a v a z @ h o t m a i l . c o m
P u b l i s h e d b y : N a t i o n a l D o m e s t i c W o r k e r s ’ M o v e
m e n t • F o r P r i v a t e C i r c u l a t i o n O n l y • P r i n t e d a t J e n a z P r i n t e r s
, M u m b a i .
M1 2B12