It has been two years since the landmark move by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to adopt Convention 189 that recognises the contribution of domestic workers. Even so, there is little improvement in this labour sector here, as the country is yet to ratify the convention and implement laws that would guarantee minimum wages and grant social security for this large workforce.
Calling the government’s attention to this, workers and activists under the banner of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) braved the rain on Saturday afternoon to participate in a rally and a public meeting on the eve of International Domestic Workers’ Day. This day marks the anniversary of the adoption of Convention 189.
The former Ministers P.K. Gurudasan and Benoy Viswom, who spoke at the meeting held at Gandhi Park, called upon the women to continue their protest for basic necessities. On the national stage, a Parliament march will be held towards the end of the month when a memorandum will be submitted.