Domestic workers highlight challenges through postal cards

DIMAPUR — A postal card campaign for domestic workers in Nagaland was organised on Saturday at Post Office HQ Kohima by the Centre for Development Initiatives in collaboration with the Ferrando Domestic Workers Alliance, Kohima.

As part of the campaign, postal cards were addressed to the chief minister of Nagaland, the labour commissioner, and the deputy commissioner of Kohima, highlighting the challenges of the domestic workers and urging the relevant authorities to take action, according to a press statement.

Speaking at the event, L Tiken Singh, superintendent of posts, Nagaland, said that domestic workers are also professionals who manage households and maintain cleanliness, allowing their employers to focus on their personal and professional commitments, reducing overall stress, and enhancing productivity.

However, he noted that domestic workers face numerous challenges in their daily lives, including a lack of legal protection, harassment, unfair treatment, and a lack of support. He added that they often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

He encouraged them to not look down upon themselves but see themselves as professionals.

L Simte, the postmaster of Kohima HQ, said in his speech that their demands should reach the concerned authorities, must be recognised, and should be provided the needful.

A domestic worker, Kevilenuo Veswu, speaking on behalf of the domestic workers, maintained that the campaign had lifted their spirits and shown them that their work is valued and appreciated.

The postal cards emphasised the fixation of the minimum wage for domestic workers, inclusion of domestic workers in social security schemes specific to domestic workers, and constituting a welfare board for domestic workers.

The workers conveyed the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by domestic workers and ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed promptly and policy reforms are implemented to protect their rights and dignity.

The event was attended by 77 participants.

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