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Absolutely, Anuradha! We had quite the discussion the other day. Introspecting as employers is probably the first but significant step towards bringing recognition & rights in the space of #domesticworkersinindia (1/n)
#DomesticWorkers #DomesticWorkersBill
#DomesticWorkers #DomesticWorkersBill
In the traditional breadwinner & caregiver roles, men made money & women tended to home. As women stepped out to work & with affordability, the caregiving tasks were outsourced. Our disrespect for domestic work continued. We didn't value it earlier, we don't value it now (2/n)
Our collective disrespect for domestic work, which comes out in our introduction of homemakers ("she doesn't work"), makes us apathetic to this work. India does not recognise #domesticwork as work yet. (3/n)
ILO's 189th convention was Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers. India is yet to ratify the convention. The official stance is that we are yet to figure out all the policies around domestic work. There seems to be no timeline in sight. (4/n)
We devalue housework completely. This attitude is what has led us to never look at #domesticworkers as our employees. Firstly, we are dismissive of their rights - working conditions, working hours, minimum wages, leaves, job security. (5/n)
Secondly, we dehumanise this segment of workers. The feudal hangover prevents us from treating our employees just. Discarded utensils are kept aside for them to eat/drink from, they r barred from entering certain spaces (casteism), they aren't allowed to sit at the table...(6/n)
...they are discouraged to use the household washrooms. The list of inhumane instances is long. You would think this thinking comes from the old world. Well, welcome to new India where posh buildings have separate elevators for domestic workers. "They" cannot be our world! (7/n)
In full-time employment, the placement agencies offering workers to households are not bound by any regulations. Those coming via such agencies include trafficked kids. The apathy of the agencies and the households make the living conditions of these workers worse.
(8/n)
(8/n)
In the most urban of households, full-time domestic workers undergo terrible of sufferings. Poor working conditions topped with disrespect dehumanises these workers in absolute terms. Keeping workers locked in is normalised in certain circles. (9/n)
