On the occasion of International Working Women's Day on Thursday, hundreds of domestic workers will protest in front of the State Labour Commissioners' Office against the non-functioning of the Social Security and Welfare Board constituted for unorganised workers in 2009. After being set up, the Welfare Board has failed to live up to its promise, activists said.
At an event held at the Indian Social Institute, activists and domestic workers gathered to discuss the demands and enlist the issues they face. M.K. George, director of ISI, emphasised on the need to organise the workers.
Geetha Menon, secretary of the Stree Jagruti Samiti, said: “This day will mark the beginning of our struggle. All women here, whether they are domestic workers, vendors or agriculture workers, are merely demanding their basic right to live in dignity.” These women have it tough as they not only work for a living but also have duties and responsibilities at home.
Deepika Kinhal, member of the National Law School India University's free legal service clinic, said the Government must follow the developed countries' model where every citizen is eligible to basic social security measures such as provident fund and healthcare benefits.
