Lakhs of women to join the demand for labourer status and rights

In a bid to advocate for the recognition of their labourer status and demand social security and other essential rights, the Maharashtra State Domestic Workers Coordinating Committee has announced - the Domestic Workers Social Security March. Scheduled to take place in Mumbai in the coming month of March, the event aims to draw attention to the plight of over 45 lakh domestic workers across the state.

The decision to organize the long march was formalized during a two-day workshop held at the Youth Centre in Kharghar. The workshop, focused on women's leadership capacity building and action planning, witnessed active participation from domestic women workers representing various regions of Maharashtra.

The Maharashtra State Domestic Worker Coordinating Committee, comprising organizations dedicated to addressing domestic worker issues, has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of women in this sector for several years.

During the workshop, Comrade Uday Bhat of Maharashtra Labour Unions, Comrade Vibhute of Ghar Kamgar Ekta Union, Raju Vanjare of Navi Mumbai, and representatives from the National Domestic Workers Movement provided valuable insights and guidance. The workshop covered the history and background of domestic workers' struggles and discussed the current trajectory of their movement.

Gyanesh Patil shared information on key clauses in the Domestic Workers Welfare Board Acts, highlighting the functions and responsibilities of the Board, and addressing potential shortcomings in the legislation.

As part of the action plan, the committee has resolved to establish coordination committee boards at workplaces, call for general strikes or agitations in case of exploitation of female domestic workers, and actively promote awareness about the issues faced by domestic workers.

Representatives from organizations working on domestic worker issues across various districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Latur, Nagpur, and others, joined forces at the workshop. The collective effort aims to amplify the voices of domestic workers and propel the movement toward greater recognition and improved conditions.

Gyanesh Patil, Raju Vanjare, Shanta Khot, Vidya Ramugade, and Vijay Kharat were instrumental in ensuring the success of the workshop.