They live in low, middle and developed nations. However, what makes their story similar is the low-esteem, discrimination and stigma directed at them.
This has forced many to the brink of exclusion, stress and hopelessness and other forms of degrading human nature. Despite the tedious work from domestic chores, many are underpaid and overworked, putting in long hours without overtime pay or benefits. Many looked low upon them, thus exposing them to all sorts of degrading treatments imaginable.
From sexual harassment, discrimination and wage theft, some are subjected to unjust firing and contend with conditions that pose both health and safety risks.
In our today’s edition of The Point, we have run a story in which the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) in collaboration with the Center for Research and Action on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CRADESC) and the Foundation for Equal Just in the Society (FJS), recently convened a forum to disseminate findings about The Gambia on the violations of domestic workers’ rights study.
The study was aimed at advocating means to reduce the vulnerability of domestic workers by documenting the level of respect for their rights and evaluating the various forms of support they receive as part of CRADESC activities.
This initiative couldn’t have come at a better time, when many domestic workers globally are experiencing challenges in their workplaces.
However, what even makes things worse is the society’s view and stigma directed at some workers.
Importantly, we state here that domestic workers have rights that should be respected and protected at all times. They are our sisters, brothers, neighbours and above all human.
Sadly, lack of access to social protection systems and other benefits also put many in a dilemma especially those growing old.
In any work-related domain, one expects to depend on your benefits, once you retire or grow old. But this is a different story for many domestic workers.
However, society has a great role to play in changing the status quo by improving their working conditions. This will go a long way in ensuring that domestic workers are treated the best they deserve.
We all have a stake to better and work towards improving the living conditions of domestic workers.