National Consultation “Gharelu Kamgar Ke …...National Consultation “Gharelu Kamgar Ke Sawaalon Par Badlaav Ki Ore Badhtey Kadam” Aug 21st –Aug 22nd, 2012 State Institute

National Consultation “Gharelu Kamgar Ke Sawaalon Par Badlaav Ki Ore Badhtey Kadam”

Aug 21st –Aug 22nd, 2012 State Institute of Health and Family Welfare (SIHFW), Jaipur, Rajasthan

Background Jagori organized a two-day national consultation on domestic workers- “Gharelu Kamgaron ke Sawalon par Badlav ki Ore Badthe Kadam” from August 21st - 22nd, 2012 at SIHFW, Jaipur. It was marked by presence of 80 participants including women domestic workers and activists from 13 organisations and groups working on the issue across 10 Indian states, few journalists and volunteers. They discussed on key issues confronting them and on devising strategies to advocate for their rights concerning fair wages, social security and safety from violence and live a life of dignity and respect.

Welcome and Introduction By Madhu, Jagori

The consultation started with a welcome note by Madhu. She thanked everybody for their presence and especially the domestic workers for contributing their precious time and who have taken unpaid leave just to attend this consultation. She shared that this consultation has been organized by Jagori, a Delhi-based NGO working on women’s issues. The organization was started in 1984. Jagori follows a rights based approach and endeavors to reach out to marginalized urban and rural women. Its major focus is to empower women to lead the struggle against violence inflicted on them. The work on women domestic workers forms a significant part of its initiatives. It also provides accompaniment support to other organizations, and groups across various Indian States such as U.P, Uttarakhand, M.P., Jharkhand, West Bengal, Orissa, etc.

Madhu then introduced Mewa Bharti who initiated Rajasthan Mahila Kamgar Union at Jaipur. She shared that Mewa has been working on this issue since a very long time. In fact, this consultation had not been possible without Mewa Bharti’s efforts and she therefore thanked Mewa for all her contribution. She then shared the key objectives of this two-day consultation:

• To create sensitivity around the issues concerning domestic workers • Cross-learning • To discuss on future strategies and create a strong network of women domestic

workers at a national level • To pressurize the government towards implementation of social security

mechanisms • To spread information on and hold a discussion on ILO Convention 189 (Decent

Work For Domestic Workers), other draft laws and National Policy for Domestic Workers

She said that the participants belong to diverse groups in terms of their work experience and working methodology. Keeping this diversity in mind, the facilitators would try to

maintain a synergy with respect to the content and methodology of the sessions. She suggested that keeping in consideration each other’s diversity, strengths and challenges, participant organizations and groups should collectively raise the issues of domestic workers with government, employers and other stakeholders and advocate for their rights and dignity. Madhu then briefly introduced the resource persons. The first resource person was Ms. Geeta Menon from Stree Jagruti Samiti, Karnataka. Madhu shared that Ms. Menon has an immense contribution in the domestic workers’ movement and has an extremely long association with the issue in terms of her struggle as an activist. She also shared that Ms. Menon is also currently a member of the Tripartite Task Force for Gender Equality. Madhu then introduced Ms. Surabhi Tandon Mehrotra, who is both an activist and an independent researcher. She shared that Ms. Mehrotra has led her struggle through writing. She has supported Jagori in its research on living and working conditions of full-time and part-time domestic workers in Delhi. Madhu also briefly introduced the Jagori team - Geetha, the co-director, Nilanju, a lawyer and the manager of Violence Intervention team, who would also be undertaking the session on laws related to sexual harassment at workplace in this consultation. Madhu then introduced Shruti from the Jagori research and training team, who has played the role of organizing and coordinating this consultation. The introduction round for participants involved asking each domestic worker to share their name, name of the organization/group/union with which they are associated and state from where they have come from. Further, the activists were asked to list three key issues they focus on in their work. Key issues: Rajasthan Mahila Kamgar Union, Jaipur, Rajasthan

• Recognition as workers • Migration • Social Security – minimum wages, fixed working hours, ration and old-age

pension • All forms of Violence against women domestic workers

Astitva, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

• Economic Empowerment • Migration • Violence at work place

Shahari Mahila Kamgar Union, New Delhi, Delhi

• Social Security - minimum wages and ration • Violence at workplace

Indore Gharelu Kamkaji Sanghathan, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

• Minimum wages

• Skill Development Gharelu Kamgar Mahila Sanghathan, Sambadh Shahari Gareeb Sangharsh Morcha, supported by Vigyan Foundation, Lucknow, U.P.

• Skill Development • Sexual Harassment at Work Place

National Domestic Workers Forum, Hyderabad

• Sexual Harassment at Work Place • Minimum wages

Domestic Workers Forum, New Delhi, Delhi

• Rights of domestic workers • Migration • Trafficking

Domestic Workers Rights Union, Bangalore, supported by Stree Jagruti Samiti

• Rights of domestic workers and their employment benefits • Rescue and rehabilitation of domestic workers who are minors

Parichiti, West Bengal

• Domestic workers’ rights • Education of girls • Violence against women

Kashtkari Gharkamgar Sanghatna, Thane supported by Yuva India, Maharashtra

• Domestic workers’ rights, with a focus on their right to social security • Education of children of women domestic workers • Health of domestic workers- conducting health camps on a monthly basis • Skill Development – trainings for becoming electrician and plumbers

Jagori, Delhi

• Domestic workers’ rights and dignity • Violence against domestic workers

Madhu then introduced Kanika, who supported Jagori with photo documentation of the consultation. Madhu introduced herself sharing her involvement with women’s movement since college days; she has been working with Jagori since 7 years. Madhu then shared the logistics and the rules for the two-day consultation.

• Being attentive • Respecting each others’ views • Switching off phones

Overview of the domestic work sector By Geeta Menon, Stree Jagruti Samiti

Geeta Menon initiated the session by expressing her thanks to Jagori for giving her the opportunity of facilitating the session. She appreciated the title of the consultation and said that it is quite apt with regards to the key objectives of this consultation, i.e. sharing concerns of domestic workers and celebrating their march towards the change. She articulated the need of understanding the history of domestic work to gain an in-depth understanding of the issue. A brief historical background Domestic work is a very old form of work and has evolved over a long period of time with respect to its structure. Tracing its history from the feudal society, she explained how the profession of domestic work was historically male-dominated; women were not allowed to work because of the existence of patriarchal society. The feudal society was a bonded labour society of which domestic work formed a very important category. The relationship that existed was that of feudal lords and slaves. The slaves were not provided any wage for their work, but only a place in the house and some food. It was a system of slavery where there was a relationship between owner and slave. Then there was a shift from bonded labour system as prevalent in feudal system to the capitalist system. Feudal system over…but slavery still exists! Though there has been a shift from a system of slavery to a system that involves selling labour in return of wages, yet the slavery relationship still exists in the minds of employers. There are different forms of domestic work that include part-time, full-time and live-in domestic workers (24 hour working). This category also includes migrant workers through placement agencies, cooks and cleaners within army and Defence quarters, religious groups, etc. At present, a majority of domestic workers work as part-time workers. These workers work within the four walls of home, with no fixed employer, no fixed workplace and no fixed working hours. These working conditions make this form of work an informal work. Thus, there is no common and clear definition of domestic work. As a result, this category of work is not recognized as any other form of work and domestic workers as other workers. This thinking is shared by employers and the government alike. The Government’s attitude is also a matter of concern. The domestic workers are not even registered under Labour Department. They have no place in the social security board. This public-private dichotomy also plays a role when it comes to formulation of laws. Thus, there is an urgent need to change the thinking and attitude of both employers and the government. This can only happen when domestic workers recognize their own work with respect and dignity. They need to understand the importance of their work, their immense contribution to the national economy; their employers earn because of the domestic workers themselves. Gender concerns Due to the increasing participation of women in domestic work, it is considered as “women’s work” and therefore undervalued than other forms of work. Thus, there is a

need to battle with the gendered notion of domestic work, whereby there is no value attached to the work done inside or outside the home. The work is looked at as non-productive, and many domestic workers, too, think the same way, that in the hierarchy of work, the domestic worker is at the bottom of the social ladder. Thus, our challenge is related to the mindset of the government and of society at large. It lies in changing the identity from servant to worker, and convincing the government and society that they are an important and much needed workforce. Sharing of state-specific experiences The participants formed groups according to their states and presented the issues that concerns domestic workers in each individual state Madhya Pradesh

• Extremely low wages • Poor working conditions • Lack of provision of sufficient work materials • No fixed holiday • Caste based discrimination • Violence - domestic violence by husband, Incest by father, violence at workplace

by employers • Migration • Internal Trafficking within state • Lack of social security – RSBY not implemented – Many do not have BPL Card,

Karnataka

• Poor working conditions • No respect for the workers by employers, not even by Labour Minister, Women

Commissioners • Caste-based discrimination • Absence of accidental compensation • No provision of weekly leave, annual leave, bonus and not even maternity leave • Sexual harassment against women and children • Exploitation by placement agencies

West Bengal

• Lack of recognition of domestic workers as other workers • Low wages and no provision of bonus • Lack of provision of monthly leave, sick leave or maternity leave • Excessively long working hours • Trafficking • Lack of social security – Medical, accidental and old age, crèche facilities • No facility for skill development • Loss of job before Durga Puja; they are fired to avoid payment of bonus

Rajasthan

• Migration

• Violation of rights by placement agencies • Child Labour

Uttrakhand

• Poor wages and bad working conditions • Bonded labour after giving money on loans

Maharashtra

• Low wages • Sexual Harassment at Workplace • Lack of skill development

Delhi

• Language constraint • No fixed working hours • Lack of safe housing • Violation of the rights of domestic workers by placement agencies

Remarks by Geeta Menon Ms. Menon shared that the participants have listed diverse issues. But the common thread that ties all these issues together is that all domestic workers want to work with dignity and respect within society. She highlighted the key issues that are commonly faced by domestic workers as presented by the participants such as lack of decent wages, bad working conditions, no weekly off, caste-based discrimination, exploitation of migrant domestic workers by placement agencies, human trafficking, and sexual harassment at workplace and child labour. She also conveyed the need to be aware of other issues such as exploitation of workers in Defence and by certain religious groups. She stated, “There is an urgent need to raise voice against calling domestic workers by various undignified and inhumane names such as naukarani, bai, maid, etc., they also have an identity as humans, they should be called by their names”. She shared that there is a need for implementation of laws for domestic workers as other workers, an important role, responsibility and accountability of the government. Further we need to know that there are provisions of training on skill development as declared by ILO. We also need to know whether there is notification of minimum wages and presence of social security board/welfare board in our respective states. As mentioned in the presentations, the minimum wages are notified in four states - Rajasthan, A.P., Karnataka and Maharashtra and Delhi is included in the schedule. Also, the social security board/ welfare board is constituted in 4 states - Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Karnataka. She also briefly raised the issue of registration of domestic workers. She stated that a majority of domestic workers are not registered anywhere. Though, some states such as Maharashtra via The Maharashtra State Domestic Workers Board have registered domestic workers, yet a majority is still unregistered. It is also important to understand that there is a need of registration of domestic workers in labour department and not in police stations for their verification as if they are criminals.

Domestic work as informal work, feminization of domestic work and identity of

domestic workers as ‘workers’ By Surabhi Tandon Mehrotra

The session focused on four poignant questions: I. Why do women work as domestic workers and why are they hired as domestic

workers? II. What are the reasons for migrating in a particular state/city? III. Why domestic work is considered as a form of informal work?

Key responses by the participants: Question I:

• Easy availability of work • Unskilled labour • Source of earning livelihood • Lack of other livelihood options • Supporting households and child care • No need of education and work experience • Scope of deciding their working hours as per their time availability • Mechanization and Urbanization • Closure of mills • Lack of ability to travel by bus • Safety, security and comfort

Question II: • Prior knowledge of availability of domestic work • Contacts and Networking • Role of chance and need

Question III: • Working conditions and workplace • Feminization of labour • Existence of different employers • No fixed rules • Work in isolation, No collectivity • Lack of social security

Listening to all these responses, Ms. Mehrotra suggested that there is a need to work step by step. She suggested following steps:

• Recognition to domestic workers as other workers by everyone – the employers, the government and by the domestic workers themselves as it is often observed that even the domestic workers themselves do not recognize them as workers. They need to feel proud of their work.

• Creating awareness with a clarity on what kind of awareness is needed and for

whom. - This awareness should focus on recognition of the rights and dignity of the domestic workers. It should involve raising information on the laws, policies and schemes related to the domestic workers. Further, this awareness must be created in all the stakeholders – domestic workers, employers, unions, civil society, Government - Labour officer, Media, R.W.A., Police, Lawyers, M.L.A., Women Commission , Placement agencies, Panchayats, Networking - rallies

• Urge for living wage instead of minimum wage with knowledge on the calculation

process. It can be calculated by calculating our spending on our living, health, education, etc. according to one month’s expenditure.

Ms. Mehrotra also stated that there is a need to gain a deeper understanding of all these issues. She discussed following key concerns:

• It is crucial to understand that history of an individual who is migrating; there are historical reasons for migration such as:

o Booming of service industry o Loss of jobs by men and women filing up that vacant space o Supporting women employers of middle class by cheap labour of working

class o Urbanization

• In some cases, there can be prior decision to migrate. The Jagori’ study on part-time domestic workers in Delhi revealed that the workers had a prior decision to migrate owing to poor living conditions- lack of housing, transport facilities, state of their resettlement colonies, etc.

• The patriarchal society also has an important role in undervaluing domestic work. There is a need to bring a change in this kind of attitude as well. Also, in cases of violence, the burden often lies on the women. It needs to be understood that it is not the sole responsibility of women for their safety at their own home as well as at workplace. The onus lays on all the stakeholders – employers, police and the most importantly the state.

• It is often stated that women need to work as men do not work or do not earn well, or they work to support their household or for their children. The right to work is everybody’s right.

As most of the participants shared that they work in order to support their household and for their children. She posed another question amongst the participants – What can be the different ways and strategies to focus on education of children of domestic workers? Before suggesting the ways and strategies, the women domestic workers shared their views and experiences with reference to the education of their children. Some of them quoted: “I made my children educated; one of my sons is an engineer”. I worked for 17 hours a day, did hard work, I didn’t even take a loan for my son’s education”.

“I used to earlier work at 4 households, now I increased the number of my workplaces, I traveled for around 1/2 hours to reach my workplace and made my son educated, he is currently working in Aqua guard” However, it was discussed that the workers should not only focus on their sons’ education. To this one worker shared, ““My son is a national player and my daughter is also a national player, yet I feel more proud of my daughter”. One should not discriminate between a son and a daughter when it comes to education; one should not listen to other people; one should listen to one’s heart”. Then the participants collectively suggested following strategies to focus on education of children of domestic workers:

• Avail scholarship opportunities available by government • Support by employers • Take bank loans • Private sponsorships • Urgent need for formation of a law • Provision of medical benefits and education for children by the state • Open crèches • Making government responsible for provision of education services • Create pressure to bring domestic workers into mainstream • Create pressure on government regarding Anganwadi scheme • Start alternative informal systems in absence of government structures • Skill development • Collective building • Confidence building on the part of women domestic workers that they can fight

for their rights

The participants then debated over some key concerns: • There is a need amongst domestic workers to view their work with respect and

dignity. Many participants shared that they do not expect their children to do this work as it is manual labour and therefore less dignified. It is also important to look at every form of work from dignity. One of the women domestic worker stated, “Today government officials treat us as beggars, provision of schemes as a form of help, but we should understand that it is our right, we sell our labour, we should be paid for it”.

• Mewa shared that though demanding accountability from government is crucial,

yet it is not advisable to leave all the responsibility over government, the domestic workers and their collectives should leave some responsibility on their own, create their own models and then tell government how these models have functioned. She also raised concern over terming domestic workers as ‘home managers’, as it will reinforce the notion that it is a home, but not a workplace for

the domestic workers. Further, the concept of trainings for skill development and professionalism is also problematic as it is a big question whether it would really benefit domestic workers.

• All the participants formed a consensus that collective building is most important.

Unionization is the need of the hour. But there is also a concern that it should not become as a form of business. Geeta shared that an NGO, Sangathan and a union are indeed different with respect to their working methodology, but their ultimate aim is common, i.e., to work for rights and dignity of the domestic workers. Also, it is the choice of domestic workers whether they want to form a group/collective or a union. The participants also discussed key points of difference between an NGO, a Sangathan and a union and the bargaining power of the union. She ended this session by sharing a slogan recited by Shankar Guha Niyogi, Chattisgarh Mukti Morcha; Sangharsh Karo, Nirmaan Karo (Struggle and Build)

Sharing of ILO Convention C 189, draft laws and National policy on domestic

workers By Geeta Menon

Key highlights: International Labour Organization (ILO) It is an international body whose basic purpose is of monitoring. It has branches across India and other nations. It was established around 1919 and has formulated around 200 conventions on domestic workers till date. ILO Convention C 189: Decent Work for Domestic Workers This is a framework that lays down basic rights and principles, and requires States to take a series of measures with a view to making decent work a reality for domestic workers. The convention was passed in Geneva on June 16, 2011. As ILO is a tripartite organization, for every country the government, employers and workers' representatives are entitled to vote. Currently, only two countries,, namely, Uruguay and Philippines have ratified it. There is an urgent need to create pressure on the Indian government to ratify it. State level actions are necessary. The participant groups and unions should undertake the task of creating pressure on their respective State MPs. Other draft laws: 2 draft bills have been submitted by National Commission of Women; however, they need to be implemented. Draft National Policy for Domestic Workers In the works for over two years, the draft of the national policy was prepared on the basis of the report of a task force appointed by the Ministry of Labour in 2009. This task force has been created at a national level consisting of some government officials and some people from organizations, sanghatanas working with domestic workers. It is all set to be sent to the Cabinet for its approval, entitling domestic workers to minimum wages, defined work hours, paid annual and sick leave and maternity benefits. It is important to

note that the policy is not a law in itself, but basically a framework which gives directions for the law. Then the participants discussed on: Devising ways and strategies in order to create pressure on government for formulation of a law or a policy that can act as a framework for making demands It was decided that the guiding principle should be that domestic workers should be recognized as other workers. They should be provided necessary support so that they can realize their rights – right to register to labour department as other workers, right to organize and form unions and collectives as other workers, right to gain employment, social protection and welfare, right to skill development and right to safety. Suggested ways and strategies by participants:

• Create pressure on government to include domestic workers into existing laws formulated for other workers

• Help them avail opportunities such as health insurance and other medical benefits, benefits from government schemes

• Devise appropriate mechanisms for ensuring security of International migrants • Provide opportunities for skill development via training centers and literacy

centers • Ensure regulation of placement agencies • Making a code of practice defining clear roles and responsibilities of both

employers and domestic workers • Formation of an Implementation committee with representatives of workers,

employers and of the government • Keep track of budgets and ensuring regular financial flow at the central level

Sexual harassment and related laws By Nilanju, Jagori

Key Objectives: • To be aware of what does the term ‘sexual harassment’ entail? • To know the details of the laws related to sexual harassment

Nilanju started the discussion by asking the participants what they mean by sexual harassment. Key Responses:

• Stating wrong statements/remarks • Showing Pornography • Seeking sexual favours without consent • Singing sexual songs, whistling, laughing unnecessarily • Looking at the woman from a bad intention • Sexual Harassment at public places and inside public transport on the way to

workplace

Nilanju emphasized that recognition of sexual harassment is most important. There are different kinds of sexual harassment. She would focus on sexual harassment at workplace related laws in place. She briefed the participants about the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill, Vishakha Guidelines – how it defines sexual harassment and what the remedies available are and the Criminal Amendment Bill. Sexual Harassment at Workplace Bill Salient Features

• The Bill provides for an effective complaints and redressal mechanism. Every employer is required to constitute an internal complaints committee.

• The complaints committees are required to complete the enquiry within 90 days

and a period of 60 days has been given to the employer/District Officer for implementation of the recommendations of the Committee.

The bill has been passed by Lok Sabha. It now covers domestic workers as well in its ambit. However, there is a pressure for amendments in some clauses such as the one that mentions provisions for penalizing the complainant for false complaints. This is the most under-reported crime. Such provision will deter a woman to come forward and complain. The department of women and child development has agreed to eliminate it. Remedies available in Vishakha Guidelines Indian Penal code Section 294 – Obscenity Section 354 – Criminal Force or Assault intended to outrage modesty Section 375 – Rape Section 509 – Word, Gesture or Act Intended to Outrage Modesty The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill 2012 Since 2009 various consultations have been organized where women organizations have discussed about this bill. It has been passed by the Cabinet and is now sent to recommendations to women organizations. These organizations welcome certain changes proposed in the Bill like widening the definition of sexual assault to include non-penile penetration and inclusion of offences like acid attacks, for which people have been campaigning for decades. However, there are certain major concerns with the Bill in its present form such as its proposal to make sexual assault a gender neutral offence. Salient Features

• Substituting the word “rape” with “sexual assault”; • Increasing the age of consent 16 to 18 years; • Excluding sexual intercourse between a married couple from the definition of

rape, where the wife’s consent has not been obtained and the wife is at least 16 years of age.

Inauguration of Jagori helpline By Prof. Lad Kumari Jain, Chairperson, Women Commission, Government of

Rajasthan Madhu requested Prof. Jain to inaugurate helpline booklet for women in Jaipur, by Rajasthan Mahila Kamgar Union, supported by Jagori. Prof. Ahluwalia inaugurated the helpline and termed it as Sankat Vimochan for all. She then shared following remarks:

• Violence against women is a matter of concern in Rajasthan. There is existence of sex-selective abortion, child marriages, culture based crimes – sati system, dowry system, Kukdi pratha (Chastity), Ata-sata – exchange marriages, forced marriages, nata pratha, Pehle byay baap ka, duja byay apka, honour killing, etc.

• Women domestic workers also face issues such as non-recognition as other

workers and therefore no contributors to the national economy, sexual harassment at workplace etc.

Geeta Menon shared with Prof. Jain that there is an urgent need to create a pressure on government to formulate a law for domestic workers to advocate for their identity, rights and dignity. Ms. Menon briefed her about the existing draft bills with National Commission of Women since 2010 and ILO Convention C 189: Decent Work for Domestic Workers which has been ratified by only Uruguay and Philippines. She along with all the participants requested Ms. Menon to support for creating a pressure on National Commission of Women. Prof. Jain shared that she would try her level best to take forward this issue and the voices of women domestic workers. Madhu thanked Prof. Jain for her presence and sharing remarks on VAW.

Sharing best practices, case stories and achievements in their endeavors by the participants

RMKU, Jaipur, Rajasthan • Pressurized for notification of minimum wages in Rajasthan • Member of the Unorganized Social Security Act Board of Rajasthan • All the workers from the union have access to Ration Card

Kashtkari Ghar Kamgar Sanghatna, Maharashtra

• Member of the Ghar Parivar Kalyan Mandal (with 22 members) that provides social security to unorganized workers in case of death, accidents or health problems. It includes provision of a scholarship of Rs. 300 for children of domestic workers, health insurance of Rs. 35,000 for domestic workers, payment of 2,000 for last rites/cremation, Rs. 6,000 for eight hours, including other provisions.

• They have also been able to convince the authorities that an FIR should not be lodged against a domestic worker – a very common occurrence – without first verifying the prima facie evidence, in case she is accused of theft by her employer.

• Pressurized for suspension of orders within 2 days, of a teacher who sexually assaulted an 11 year old girl, his student for three continuous nights and a police official for not filing FIR. Maharashtra Gharelu Kaliyan Board

Domestic Workers Rights Union, Bangalore, Karnataka

• The union supported a women domestic worker brought by a placement agency from Assam to Bangalore who suffered severe assault for 2 years. A case was filed and after a waiting period of 3 months, with a crucial role played by media, the women domestic worker received compensation and the placement agency lost all its reputation.

Astitva, Dehradun, Uttrakhand

• Successful in deciding a fixed wage rate for all domestic workers • Creation of employers’ supporting groups • Opening Crèches for the children of domestic workers

Shahari Mahila Kamgar Union, New Delhi, Delhi

• A case was shared where wages of around 12 workers were not paid by Omax Company based in Faridabad. Also, there was gender inequality in terms of payment of wages where Rs. 200 was paid to men as against Rs. 180 to women workers. The union created pressure on the manager and subsequently, wages were paid.

Indore Gharelu Kamgar Sanghathan, Indore, M.P.

• A case was shared where a girl domestic worker who was sold through a placement agency in Indore, was raped and sent back to her home. The Sanghathan held discussions with Child line, filed report at the Police station and conducted her medical test where the rape was confirmed.

National Domestic Workers Movement, Hyderabad

• Release of a woman domestic worker blamed for theft at her workplace

Parichiti, West Bengal • Ensuring that domestic workers can avail the State Assistance Scheme for

Provident Fund for Unorganized Workers introduced in 2001. • Provision of a shed at the platform, ladies toilet with an increase in the number of

ladies rooms at the railway station • Mobilizing domestic workers, who commute to and from Kolkata by train. It

conducts meetings at the Dhakuria and Bagha railway stations every Tuesday and Thursday and has also been running a drop-in centre, or Bishram Ghar, since 2007 where women workers can relax and rest between jobs.

Gharelu Kamgar Mahila Dal, supported by Sangini Resource Centre, Bhopal

• Release of a woman domestic worker blamed for theft at her workplace Domestic Workers’ Forum, Delhi

• The women domestic workers led a Dharna on December 12, 2011 at Vasant Kunj. This was conducted as 300 women domestic workers lost their jobs. They have strived to get back the jobs of 150 workers out of these 300 workers with an increase in wage - Rs. 100 per house.

Gharelu Kamgar Union, supported by Vigyan Foundation

• Trainings on skill development and home management • Strategized a complete boycott of the area where a woman domestic worker was

raped. Jagori, Delhi

• Study on part-time domestic workers in Delhi • Training sessions and workshops on effective group building, exposure visits for

cross-learning and advocacy and networking for creating strategies to take the issue forward.

Remarks by Geeta Menon It is crucial to share the stories of failure in addition to the sharing of the case stories of success. This will help us learn from our mistakes and realize the need to keep on moving in spite of the hurdles that restrict our path. We need to collectivize our strengths and open new pathways, devise new ways and strategies to take forward this issue.

Sharing future strategies that can be undertaken at the state level and the national

level Madhu stated that since it was only a two-day consultation, various important issues still remain unaddressed. There is a need for participating organizations, groups and unions to discuss key strategies based on their experiences with reference to issues affecting domestic workers specifically, their recognition as workers, notification of minimum wages and their right to social security. All the participants collectively shared following future strategies that can be undertaken at the state level and the national level:

• Creating pressure on State MLAs and State MPs on implementation of ILO convention at the state level

• Creating pressure on NCW • Formation of a National level network • Creating awareness and creating localized pressure through State level

commission on NCW • Creating pressing on every state for Notification of Minimum Wages • Creating pressure on Women and Child Development for passing of policy • Creating Pressure on Labour department for ratification of the ILO Convention • Urging for Bonus at the time of Diwali; fixing a one common time for protesting

for bonus, there was consensus that this time period should be 2 weeks before Diwali – November 1 – November 13, 2012.

• Decide a time frame for all the above mentioned points.

Role of Jagori Jagori undertook the task of creating an E-Network. It would be the responsibility of participating activists to maintain this network in their respective states and share the updates with the domestic workers associated with their group/organization/union and voice their demands. This network would basically act as a platform for information sharing, with reference to each other’s ongoing work and achievements in terms of advocacy with government and also sharing of related reading and resource materials. This network Jagori also showed openness for providing training support as and when required. It’s just the beginning! All the participants shared the consensus that the winter session is the best time to contact state MPs and create a pressure on them on passing policy. However, this struggle should not end here; there is a greater need for a consistent struggle for implementation of the policy. The session ended by Madhu by expressing the vote of thanks to all the participants and urging everyone to strengthen the networking in order to achieve the demands raised by the women domestic workers and helps them advocate for their rights and dignity. Appendices: Appendix I: Participants List Appendix II: List of materials disseminated

Appendix I: Participants List

Participants List S.No. Name of the

organization Name of the participants

Contact details

1. Parichiti (4 participants)

Staff members: 1.Ms. Shubhra Das 2. Ms. Moumita Chakrabarty Domestic Workers: 1. Mangala Das 2.Shakuntala Naskar

E-mail id: Parichiti [email protected] Phone Number: Mobile: 09903866460 Address: 28/15 Dhakuria Station Road Bank Plot, Ground Floor Kolkata - 700031

2. Stree Jagruti Samiti/ Domestic Workers Rights Union Bangalore

Staff members: 1.Geeta Menon 2. Susheela Domestic Workers:

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Number: Mobile: 0984544508 Office: 080-22734956

(4 participants)

1. Amudha 2. Sumati

Address: 1863, Southend C cross, Jayanagar, 9th Block, Bangalore - 560069

3. Rajasthan Mahila Kamgaar Union (35 participants)

Staff members: 1.Mewa Bharti 2.Rama Chaudhary Domestic Workers: 1.Aarti 2.Reena 3.Savita 4.Rama 5.Kamlesh 6.Savitri Yadav 7.Gayatri 8.Geeta 9.Minoti 10.Lalita 11.Kalpana 12.Ranjana 13.Jhulan Adhikari 14. Seema 15.Sohan Kanwar 16.Minoti Burman 17.Jayanti 18.Kalpana 19.Saraswati 20.Anjali 21.Shaifali 22.Surobala 23.Kavita 24.Meenu 25.Rangmati 26.Savita 27.Ahuli 28.Neeru 29.Kavita 30.Meenu 31.Snehlata 32.Neelu 33.Mamata Rai

E-mail id: Meva Bharti [email protected] Phone Number: 09829401102 Address: 87, Mahatma Gandhi Nagar DCM Ajmer Road Jaipur – 302019

4. Jagori (7 participants)

Organizers: 1.Geetha 2.Madhu 3.Nilanju 4.Shruti Staff members: 1.Heeravati Domestic Workers: 1.Meena 2.Bhagwati

E-mail id: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 9873126123 Office: 011-26691219,20 Address: JAGORI B-114, Shivalik Malviya Nagar New Delhi-110017

5. Indore Gharelu Kamkaji Sangathan/DW Solidarity Indore (3 participants)

Staff member: 1.Sister Rosily Domestic Workers: 1.Manvi Malvi/Manu 2.Savithri

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 09424082925 Office: 0731-2707000 Address: St. Refills House. School Campus, 15 Old Sehore Road, Indore – 45200, M.P.

6. National Domestic Workers Movement, Hyderabad (1 participant)

Staff members: 1.Vijaylakshmi

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 9849731781 Office: 040-27902881 Address: B-5 Paigah Apts, S.P. Road, Secundrabad - 500 003.

7. Kashtkari Ghar Kamgar Sanghatna (3 participants)

Staff members: 1.Madhu Birmole Domestic Workers: 1.Rohini Fate 2.Savita Kamble

E-mail id: sushil veer [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 9223503082 Office: Address: 103, Residency Society, Barrage Road, Badlapur, District Thane, Maharashtra

8. Sangini Gender Resource Centre/ Gharelu Kamgar Mahila Adhikar Sangh Bhopal Padadhikari (3 participants)

Staff member: 1.Mamta Domestic Workers: 1.Shashi Lata Kathote 2. Rekha Yadav

E-mail id: [email protected] [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 09424477290 Office: 0755-4276158 Address: G-3/385 ,Gulmoher Colony, Bhopal, M.P.

9. Astitva (3 participants)

Staff member: 1.Deepa DW Worker: 1.Luxmi 2.Sonam

E-mail id: Deepa Gupta [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 09756470013 Office: 0135-6570549 Address: C-23, Sector 1, Defence Colony Dehradun

10. Gharelu Kamgar Mahila Sanghathan, Sambadh Shahari Gareeb Sangharsh Morcha (Supported by Vigyan Foundation) (3 participants)

Staff member: 1.Richa Chandra Domestic Workers: 1.Sarita 2.Phoolmati Kashyap

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Numbers: Mobile: 9415718292, Office: 0522-4012879 Address: Vigyan Foundation D-3191,Indira Nagar Lucknow-226016, Uttar Pradesh, India

11. Delhi Domestic Workers’ Forum, Chetanalaya (2 participants)

Staff member: 1.Neelima Tirki DW Worker: 1.Monika Dhan

E-mail id: DWF Chetanalaya [email protected] Phone numbers: 9540864438, 9958729166, 9350844370, 9999899957 011-23510042, 011‐65254388, 011-23746691  Address:

9-10 Basement, Bhai Veer Singh Marg, 1 Ashoka Place, New Delhi- 110001

12. Shahari Mahila Kamgaar Union (7 participants)

Staff member: 1.Anita Kapoor 2.A.K. Gautam Domestic Workers: 1.Laxmi 2.Asha 3.Sunita 4.Punam 5.Ramdulari

E-mail id: Anita Kapoor [email protected] [email protected] Phone Numbers: 9810787686 Address: B-954, Gautampuri, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110044

13. National Domestic Workers Forum India, Hyderabad (1 participant)

Sr. Brejit Montforst Social Institute (City coordinator) for the National Domestic Workers Forum.

E-mail id: [email protected] [email protected] Phone Number: Sr. Brejit: 9618452709 Address: Montfort Social Institute (MSI) (Center for Human Rights Sustainable Development and Good Governance Education) Church Colony, Uppal, Hyderabad- 500 039

14. Freelance Journalist

Abha Sharma

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Number: 09829214462 Address: Jaipur

15. The Telegraph Rakhee Raj Talukdar

Jaipur

16. Independent Researcher

Surabhi Tandon Mehrotra

E-mail id: [email protected] Phone number: 9811979263

Address: Delhi

17. Volunteer for photo and video documentation

Kanika Sharma E-mail id: [email protected] Phone Number: 08744002777 Address: Delhi

Appendix II: List of materials disseminated 1. Jagori jute bags 2. Jagori Hum Sabla on the issue of domestic workers (April-June 2010) 3. Jagori Film on domestic workers - “Home/Work”, directed by Gargi Sen, Magic Lantern Foundation–Jagori posters and bookmark on the issue of domestic workers 4. Jagori Songs CD – Aao Mil Jul Gayen 5. Helpline booklet by Rajasthan Mahila Kamgar Union, with support from Jagori 6. Jagori Hum Sabla (Prerak Jeevaniyan) (September-December 2011) 7. Jagori Vikas aur Satat Vikas – Kuch Vichar, by Kamla Bhasin, translated by Juhi Jain 8. Jagori Dhammak Dham, bachon ke geet, by Kamla Bhasin