newsletter - december 2007, ndwm (national domestic workers movement)

8/8/2019 Newsletter - December 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)

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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!


Of children that must work;

To earn while young for family,

Have no place, time to play!


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



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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



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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



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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



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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



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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.



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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



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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



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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



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



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



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

newsletter - december 2007, ndwm (national domestic workers movement)

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