newsletter - october 2007, ndwm (national domestic workers movement)

8/8/2019 Newsletter - October 2007, NDWM (National Domestic Workers Movement)

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This year, on 15th August, India commemorated 60 years of

Independence from bondage and tyranny of foreign rule. It may have

taken 150 years to achieve this goal but it was not an impossible dream. A

steadfast national integrity rose at the time and that led to the downfall of one

empire and the rise of India, as one independent nation. India has come a long

way since then, and now holds a place to reckon with among other key players in

the global economy. Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, told participants in a keynote

address at the opening session of the World Economic Forums 20th India Economic

Summit, for the first time, there is universal acceptance that India is riding a wave of

sustained economic growth.

While many factors contribute to this pace in development, Indian citizens, on the

whole, in their respective capacities, are responsible for this success. These citizens do

not only include the corporate elite and business tycoons, but also the employees in the

private and public sectors, the blue and white collared personnel and workmen from the

unorganized sectors including domestic workers.

Yes, including domestic workers. Many consider their contribution insignificant, but

they are mistaken. Its a full circle of economic growth: domestic workers, through their

care and service, help establish a quality of life for their employers who in turn dispense

their services to organizations, corporates and the government, thereby lending to thegrowth in economy. So in a way, domestic workers also pay their dues to the economy and

development of our nation. Do they, then, not deserve due credit? Do they not deserve

national old age plans, health and disability benefits, insurance schemes, etc.?

And so the struggle continues and we shall not give up till justice is due to all domestic

workers. All said and done, positively, signs of change are visible and the fruition of our

efforts are evident. The Minimum Wage Act for Domestic Workers has been proposed in

three states in India and it will not be long before we see it fully implemented. Collective

solidarity is growing among Domestic Workers and is their greatest strength in times of

abuse and threat. Nation-wide participation in local dharnas and rallies has given recognition

to the Unorganised Sector Workers Social Security Bill. Through awareness campaigns

and programmes the public and government officials are being sensitized on the issues of

child labour and on the dignity and rights of domestic workers.

It is no doubt that during this time of the year when we commemorate our countrys

independence, we are zealously inspired and the work of the Movement in the various

regions has been commendable. The friendship and support among domestic workers is

manifest and, alongwith the nation, they are motivated to seek and work for a better

future. Worldwide, the solidarity of domestic workers is evolving. As we network with

organizations, both national and international, we can slowly and steadily bring about

recognition for all domestic workers and eradicate the stigma of slavery and replace it

with social security. Truly, then we can say that Domestic Workers will grow in dignity as

women, as groups, as Indians, as Humans.SANDRA VAZ

Editorial

Where the mind is without fear

and the head is held high

Where knowledge is free

Where the world has not beenbroken up into fragments

By narrow domestic walls

Where words come out from

the depth of truth

Where tireless striving stretches

its arms towards perfection

Where the clear stream of

reason has not lost its way

Into the dreary desert sand of

dead habitWhere the mind is led forward

by thee

Into ever-widening thought and

action

Into that heaven of freedom,

my Father,

let my country awake

Where The Mind

is Without Fear

In this Issue Minimum Wage Act for Domestic

Workers Non-violent struggle for Rights o

Domestic Workers Leadership training programme Police awareness programme Anti-Child Labour Day Solidarity of Mizoram Domestic Workers

Trafficking of Migrant Workers to Goa Asian Domestic Workers Assembly MFA News Overseas News

DOMESDOMESDOMESDOMESDOMES TIC WORKERS LINK TIC WORKERS LINK TIC WORKERS LINK TIC WORKERS LINK TIC WORKERS LINKpublication of the Domestic Workers Movement

Vol 15 no. 3 October, 2007

RABINDRANATH TAGORE

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ANDHRA PRADESH

Minimum Wage Act

On 24th

April 2007, The Commissioner of Labour, Hyderabad,

issued the preliminary notification for the Minimum Wages

for Domestic Workersto include domestic workers into the

Part-1 of Minimum Wages Act -1948 in the State of Andhra

Pradesh.

The initiative to fix the minimum wage for Domestic

Workers was welcomed, alongwith the prohibition of

employment of children in domestic work under the age of14. Similarly, other notes on the notification: non discrimination

on the basis of gender, Domestic Workers with higher pay

should be respected and inspection of work site by the

department of labour, were also well accepted.

Further suggestions were put across to the Special Chief

Secretary to Government of Andhra Pradesh, (L.E.T & F

Department) by representatives from various organizations

and NGOs. Sr. Lissy Joseph represented the Movement. These

suggestions included:

1. Under Section 3 (3)(a) of the Minimum Wages Act, the

Government may fix minimum rates of wages for different

classes of work in the same scheduled employment. A

request to classify domestic work into skilled and

unskilled components and fix different rates of wages.

For example cooking, washing of clothes, utensils, cleaning

of house, shopping, caring for children or the elderly can

be classified as skilled work and notified accordingly.

2. Under the same section, different localities can have

different minimum rates of wages, especially as the paying

capacity and the cost of living in different parts of the city

are different. The differences are sharper between

municipality areas and non-municipal and panchayat areas.

Jaipur, Aug. 1 (PTI): Rajasthan government has proposed a minimum wages of Rs 2,106 for a domestic servant working for

eight hours daily in the state, a top labour department official said on Tuesday. A notification, in this regard seeking objection

and reasons from public within next two months, was issued on July 28, Principal Secretary (Labour), Lalit L Panwar, said

here. According to the proposed notification, a domestic help would get a minimum wage of Rs 264 per hour. The state

government, which got the power to make amendments in the Minimum Wages Act 1948, has decided to make amendments

in the existing wages of any working person in the organised and unorganised sectors, Panwar said. The increment in

wages were hence proposed for the poor domestic servants for their upliftment, he said.

Minimum Wage Act for Domestic WorkersAs the Movement continues to fight for the rights of Domestic Workers, a step-up to their efforts was

evident this quarter. Three states have made progress in the implementation of the Minimum Wage Act for

Domestic Workers. Truly, a sign of hope and a break through for domestic workers to gain dignity in theIndian society

3. Minimum rates ofwages may be fixed by the hour or

the month. Using the classification of work along with

hours of work and the number of persons in the household

the minimum rate may be fixed. For example Rs. 350

may be fixed as minimum rate for sweeping a standard

size house of two bedrooms with four members.

4. Under Section 4(a) minimum rate of wage may consist of

a basic rate of wages and a special allowance at a

rate to be adjusted to accord as nearly as practicable with

the variation in the cost of living index number applicableto such workers. Such a practice is already being followed

in other states.

5. Under Section 13, the government may fix the number of

hours of work which shall constitute a normal working

day and provide for a day of rest in every period o

seven days and for the payment of remuneration in

respect of such day of rest and an overtime rate for work

on such days.

6. Provision under Section 19 and 20 for inspectors and

claims for non payment of minimum wages may also

be specified.

7. Wide Publicity of the notification on the MinimumWage to the public using the visual and print media

These suggestions were put forward in the light of granting

a better status to one of the most neglected sections of the

workforce which is dominated by women who struggle to

make their ends meet. Legally speaking, non payment of a

minimum amount to forced labour is imperative in the case of

domestic workers who do not get protection under any labour

statute.

RAJASTHAN The Movement from Kerala aided the Movement in Rajasthan to bring about the processof proposing the Minimum Wage Act for Domestic Workers. The following news reportspoke if its progressWWW.THEHINDU.COM

NDWM, ANDHRA PRADESH


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Minimum Wage Act

Following the 3rd

level State Convention at Tamil Nadu on

20th/21

stMarch, a conference was held at Chennai on the

10th

August to persuade the Government to enforce the

Minimum Wage Act for Domestic Workers. The conference

was well attended by participants from 13 districts,

representatives from seven NGOs and Peoples Movements.

Delegates from Trade Unions, NGOs and representation from

Andhra Pradesh also provided expertise to the conference.

Prior to this, media advocacy and lobbying were carried

out. The Movement called for consultations about the issue

with Womens Rights Activists, Trade Unions, members of

the Unorganised Sector and Domestic Workers. 25,000 inland

campaign letters and a Memorandum were sent to the Labour

Commissioner of Tamil Nadu, demanding to include Domestic

Workers under the Minimum Wage Act. Other Trade Unionsand NGOs were also asked to send memorandums to the

Labour Commissioner and the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

A copy of the preliminary notification was given to the press

and media. On the day of the conference a press release was

issued.

The conference was presided by State leader, Mrs.

Banumathy and the inaugural lamp was lit by Sr. Escaline,

State Co-ordinator of Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers

Movement and other chief guests. Ms. Clara welcomed the

chief guest and the gathering. In her inaugural speech, Mrs.

Virgil DSamy, advisor to the NDWM, highlighted the

achievements of the Movement. She elucidated the difficultiesencountered towards including Domestic Workers under the

Unorganised Sectors Bill, the establishment of a separate

Welfare Board and the Preliminary Notification for Minimum

Wages. She indicated that although on one side the demands

are fulfilled, on the other hand the increase in sexual

harassment of Domestic Workers is worsening their life. Mrs.

DSamy said, like Kalam, its still a dream to achieve our

goals.

Speakers of the occasion included: Mr. G.M.

Krishnamurthy, General SecretaryMadras Port Trust

Employees Union, Mr. Ponmudi, Asst. PresidentCITUE,

TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kuppan, PresidentAITUC, Tamil Nadu

and Adv. Anbalagan, Human Rights Network, Chennai. Al

of them appreciated the steps taken to move the government

to get Minimum Wages for Domestic Workers. With nearly

90% of unorganized workers living in the region, their poor

earnings and dismal condition of work does not permit themto experience the dignity of work. To this end, they understood

the need for their social security, that minimum wages is their

right and it is the duty of the government to implement it. The

speakers noted the difficulties in the implementation of the

minimum wages in some unorganized sectors and suggested

strategies to fix the same for domestic workers. However

only a continuous protest will help the government to enforce

their rights.

Speakers from the Womens Federation Mrs. Latha

President and Ms Sujatha, Director; Women Empowermen

and Centre for Research Mrs. Renuga, Director and Tamil

Nadu Domestic Workers Movement Sr. Escaline, StateCo-ordinator, highlighted that nearly 18,50,000 women are

involved in various forms of domestic work. They are the

most vulnerable and least privileged in the society. They

stressed that only the Minimum Wages provision can help

eliminate the inequalities in the standard of living of different

social groups.

At the last session of the conference, following group

discussions, a resolution was passed that the Governmen

should pass the notification as Government Order to include

Domestic Workers under the Minimum Wages Act 1948. A

survey of Domestic Workers will be conducted and sent asrecommendation to the Government. The Minimum Wage

Committee should be formed and should have a representative

from the Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers.

The result is awaited but the lobby will continue until the

demands are met. Domestic Workers have been taken into

confidence and a process followed at every stage to achieve

the goal and to ensure their rights to livelihood by fixing the

minimum wages.

SR. JOSEPHINE AMALA VALARMATHI, ICMTAMIL NADU DOMESTIC WORKERS MOVEMENT

Suggestions for fixing the minimum wages for domestic workers

To classify the domestic work into full time and part time and fix differentrates of wages.

To classify the working areas like Corporation, Municipality, and otherplaces and fix different minimum rates of wages.

Part time wage may be hour-based whereas full-time workers minimumwages can be monthly based. The size of the family also is to beconsidered.

The Government should appoint a separate investigator to monitorthe implementation process.


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At Tiruvuru, Krishna District, Andhra

Pradesh, the leaders of Domestic

Workers spontaneously conducted two

events: a Dharna in front of the

Thasildhar (mandal revenue officer)

office and a rally in the main streets of

Tiruvuru.

Dharna

About 200 Domestic Workers sat in front

of Thasildhar office from 9.00 a.m. on

2nd August. Domestic Workers

demanded a separate Bill in this

Parliamentary session. They displayed

a 4m banner which read: We, the

unorganized workers, demand a

comprehensive law; spell out clearly

the social security norms and

demand separate Bill for Domestic

Workers. This banner was attractive

and noticed by many people. A signature

campaign was conducted in support of

our demands. The Domestic Workersshouted slogans: We want minimum

wages, we want justice! NDWM

became the loud voice for the voiceless.

Rally (March for Rights)

On 3rd

August, 400 Domestic Workers

gathered at Factory Centre, Tiruvuru, at

9 a.m. The massive rally started at one

end of town, and moved on, into the main

roads of Tiruvuru. The Domestic

Workers enthused by the number of

Nonviolent Struggle for the Rights of Domestic Workers

participants shouted their demands: a

separate bill for Domestic Workers

and a comprehensive law for

unorganized workers.

They walked a long distance and

made the public aware of their plight, their

demands and to seek solidarity from the

other trade unions. The CITU gave their

solidarity to our Rally. 400 Domestic

Workers later met the Thasildhar and

gave the memorandum of our demands,which in turn, will be sent to the District

Collector who represents the state

government.

Ms. Maike Kusenbach from

Germany who is a volunteer at Tiruvuru

also participated in both programmes.

Br. Joseph Thambi, a Salesian MSW

student, led the rally and participated in

the programmes. Two prominent leaders

from two different parties, namely,

communist and local party, Telugu

Desham, gave support to our demands

and also participated in our programmes.

These two events gave confidence

to Domestic Workers. The leadership

capabilities of Domestic Workers were

clearly evident through the two protest

programmes. This threw light on the fact

that the future of the Movement is safe

in the hands of the Domestic Workers.

In response to the NDWMs call for a nation-wide agitation against the governments lack of actionon the Bill for Unorganized Workers, the Domestic Workers at Andhra Pradesh, spontaneously

staged a Dharna and Rally

A.SHOURI, LOCALCO-ORDINATOR,

NDWM,TIRUVURU A.P.

On 31st

July, Bombay Houseworkers Solidarity joined hands with other like-minded

NGOs and participated in the local level Rally / Dharna programmes held as a

precursor to the National Rally held on 8th

Aug, at Parliament to oppose the deceitful

Government Bill and to demand a comprehensive legislation for the 39 crore

Unorganised Sector Workers. In its June 3 issue, the CPI(M)s Peoples Democracy

criticised the new law for providing nothing substantive for the unorganised sector

workers. The UPA government finally introduced the Unorganised Sector

Workers Social Security Bill into Raja Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, on

Monday, 17th

Septemberjust before shutting down the session.

Rallies & Dharnas


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On the 21st

of July, 80 women Domestic Workers and leaders

of Domestic Workers groups, assembled at Vile Parle for a

leadership training programme. Many of them were members

of the Bombay Houseworkers Solidarity. Sr. Jacinta

introduced the objective of the training programme: Role of

being a Leader, and highlighted the importance ofempowerment. Mr. Sagar started the programme with an ice-

breaker. The game by itself helped the women realize the

need to work together as a team. The session also included

awareness songs. Fr. Felix addressed the participants and

oriented them on the work of the Movement, its progress and

benefits of being its members.

Fr. Alex Carvalho, from the parish of St. Francis Church,

Vile Parle, displayed, through audio-visual medium, the issues

and reality of poverty in the city of Mumbai. In particular, he

explained the slum demolition issue and its repercussion on

the affected people. Fr. Alex, himself, feels strongly for the

poor and the marginalized in the city. He personally works

towards empowering them. He used this particular issue to

Leadership Training for Bombay Houseworkers Solidarity

encourage an interaction with the participants, eliciting from

them their reactions to the situation and how they would

respond accordingly. Many members who related to the

situations explained how they handled the problems and took

the initiative to approach the police and other governmen

officials. This by itself revealed the confidence of the membersand their leadership qualities.

During the programme, Sr. Christy and Sagar informed

everyone of the status of the Unorganised Sector Bill for the

Maharastra State. Appeal forms were distributed to Domestic

Workers to be signed by them. This signature campaign was

carried out to promote advocacy with the decision makers a

Mantralaya and persuade the Government to give justice.

The programme was a success and gave all participants

the motivation to tackle the issues pertaining to their daily

lives and the empowerment to stand up for their rights and

justice.

SR. JACINTA PINTO, BOMBAY HOUSEWORKERS SOLIDARITY

YASHADHA, a State

Level training

Institute, organized

a four-day training

programme for the

police personnel of Mumbai,in collaboration with organisations

working with the children, including

Mumbai Domestic Workers Welfare

Trust. This was an initiative of the Co-

ordinating Committee for Vulnerable

Children (CCVC) who invited the

resource people from organizations

working with children.

The objective of the programme was

to make the police child friendly and SR. CHRISTY, BOMBAY HOUSEWORKERS SOLIDARITY

Police personnel underwent a training-awareness programme on Childs Rights

Creating Awareness on Child Rights Issues

aware of the child rights. 85 police

personnel participated in the programme.

They were given information on the

history of child labour, the Convention

on Rights of Children (CRC), and the

Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, Junior JusticeBoard, Observation Home, Poster Care,

and the Child Welfare Committee. Areas

of Rescue Operations, Task Forces for

the implementation of the Ban on Child

Labor and the necessity to support the

eradication of child labour were some

of the issues discussed.

Sagar Kamble, represented Bombay

Houseworkers Solidarity, at the

programme. He highlighted the problems

and abuses faced by the Child Domestic

Workers especially behind the closed

doors of private households. He invited

the police personnel to cooperate with

them and give visibility to this issue.

The programme had a positiveimpact on the police personnel. They

expressed their willingness to collaborate

with the NGOs working with the children

They promised that they would stand with

the Task Force to implement the

notification effectively.

This programme was a good effort

to help sensitize the stakeholders on the

issues of children.

Training & Awareness


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One of the promising events that took place in Maharastra was the inauguration of

the office in the extention area at Neral on 15th

July. A rally was also organized to

create awareness on the rights of the Domestic Workers. The office was offered

by the Municipal Corporation.The ceremony commenced with the inauguration of the office. The National

Co-ordinator, Sr Jeanne, inaugurated the Payarmal Organization office at 3.00 pm

Around 3,000 Domestic Workers were present under the leadership of Madhu

Birmole and about 2,500 of them enthusiastically participated in the rally. The women

through their slogans, captured the attention of the public and spread awareness on

their rights and dignity.

In her speech, Sr. Jeanne congratulated and appreciated the work of Madhu

Birmole and invited the Domestic Workers to collaborate with the Movement to

achieve our goals, to bring about dignity for them and to get their demands fulfilled

by the government.

Later, Mr. Sagar Kamble explained the advocacy being carried out to implore

government officials and policy makers to pass the Domestic Workers Bill. Heupdated the present status of the Bill and the future plans to implement the same

through rigorous lobbying. Signature campaigns were also initiated as a part of this

process.

The dynamism and the power of the group gathered for the programme gave

hope that Domestic Workers are prepared to fight for their rights and they will not

rest till they achieve justice.

Bombay Houseworkers Solidarity expands its operations

India remains for the people,

by the people and

with the people...including domestic workers

Jai Hind!

To work in an office is one thing, to do social work in the office of a Movement

which always is in a state of a developing process is different. News, reports, thedocumentation of achievements and events in the Link are closely connected to the

reality, fate of people and change. During my time with NDWM, I was able to

change a lot of my personal way of thinking and living. The cultural and professional

experience let me grow and think about my attitude.

In the first days, I always seemed to be surrounded by engaged and busy

people. Someone or the other was entering the office or rushing out to visit one of

the groups in the field, going to court, following up on a case. But soon it started to

clear up: How does a network function? How does organisation and coordination

take place especially over 23 states - ? And: What is the connection to the

practical work? Field visits and incoming cases put colors in my picture.

The injustice which takes place every day behind closed doors is shocking.

Obviously, I was confronted with poverty in the streets and slums, but all what ishidden behind the outside world is much more great the roots.

Working in the movement was

like grabbing the roots and holding

them tight - and I am sure NDWM

will not let them go, until they have

enough water to change and grow

more healthy!

Tum log pani hai! Thank you!

Svenja Altrogge, a German student ofSocial Work, had volunteered for theMovement for six months. She returned

to Germany to complete her diploma inSocial Work. We, at the National Office,thank her for her valuable service and

wish her all the very best in her futureendeavours.

Impressions of a German Volunteer

SVENJA ALTROGGE

SR. CHRISTY, BOMBAY HOUSEWORKERS SOLIDARITY

United We Stand and Grow


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Ms. Ratna (name changed), 19, was an immigrant from

Myanmar, engaged in domestic work in Aizawl, Mizoram.

She had been in employment since March 2007. Ratna amiably

resided with her employer performing her tasks well. There

were no complaints against her.

On 10th

June, Ratna was found dead in her own room at

the employers house while everyone was out for church

service. She was the victim of murder by a thief who had

entered the premises and when startled by her screams, he

strangled her throat and cut her neck with his knife.

That night, the NDWWT Mizoram Unit heard about the

case from the local Cable News Network. Through carefulstrategy, prompt action was taken to seek justice for her

murder. The Mizoram Unit members directly went to the

murder spot and gathered all necessary information. All

information was obtained from the employer, surrounding

neighbourhood and the case investigating officer. Then a press

release was sent to the prominent news dailies and the local

cable network condemning the inhumane practice done to a

helpless domestic worker. Simultaneously, several other

Together we shall Stand for JusticeThe tragic murder of a domestic worker by a thief who entered the residence, brought together

the Mizoram Domestic Workers to insist upon justice due to her and to convict her killer

stakeholders like NGOs, MHIP, Human Rights and Law

Network, Women League of Chinland, were approached

seeking their support and cooperation.

On 14th

June, the Unit called for an Emergency gathering

of all Mizoram Domestic Workers, members of the movement

They assembled at the NDWWT Mizoram Unit office building

to mourn the death of Ratna. They unanimously passed

resolutions against this tragic incident. This event was reported

in all local news dailies and electronic media.

That evening, itself, the police arrested the alleged

murderer, Mr. David Vanlaltlanchhuaha, 27, who confessed

to the murder. Mr. Vanlaltlanchhuaha was in the police MostWanted list and linked to the robbery of Skylinks Office (a

local Cable Networks Distributor). The police had been on

the lookout for him. During the course of the investigation

they arrived at the fact that the criminal had worked with

Ratnas employer for a month in October 2004. Since the

police had no other suspects, they renewed efforts to locate

him and have him arrested.

AS REPORTEDBY SR. ROSE PAITE

Early in July, traffickers from Orissa

brought four girls, Shanta, Shaila, Sheila

and Shalini (all names changed). They

were taken by the local agent to the

Mogra village (name changed). The

local agent went from house to house

offering these girls as domestic workers.

Pattern families resisted the disturbancebut fell prey to the temptation of having

domestic help. They were asked to return

in the morning and in the interim, the girls

were put up at the local agents home.

Here, it was obvious, that they were

abused; gauging from the expression of

Shaila, from which it was apparent she

could not bear the sight of the local agent.

Shanta, a 25 year old widow, and

Shaila were placed with families at the

Trafficking Migrant Domestic Workers from Orissa into GoaThe Movement in Goa encountered a group of unsatisfied domesticworkers. As arrangements were made for repatriation, twists andturns in the tale averted all operations. This is the story.

village and Sheila worked for an

advocates family in town. Shaila, being

already very upset with the whole

situation, had set her mind to return

home. The fourth girl, Shalini, Shailas

sister, was taken to Gulab village (name

changed) and eventually placed by the

employer in Shivanti village (namechanged) with the latters cousin. Shaila

and Shanta were also made to work at

the neighbours palm grove plantations.

On the 13th

July, when they were in

the palm grove, they chanced upon two

nuns and rushed to them. The two nuns

were from Meghalaya and were in Goa

on holiday, residing at one of the nuns

homes at the Mogra village. Shaila and

Shanta begged them for food and money

to return home. They explained to them

how they were cheated and placed with

families instead of a convent as promisedto them. One of the nuns, who identified

the case, instantly contacted a

community member who worked with

the National Domestic Workers

Movement in Meghalaya. Later tha

evening, the Movement in Goa was

informed.

These girls revealed to us how this

heinous operation was carried out

Traffickers at Orissa bring in groups of

When Shalini learned that

the money taken by the

traffickers from the

employer was not sent

home to her family, she

remarked: We are sold!

Strengthened Solidarity


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girls regularly to Goa. Their leader has a daughter who works in Goa and provides

them with information. Ironically, the leader is also supported by their village sarpanch,

also a woman. In Goa, one of these agents collects Rs. 2500 from each employer

informing them that the sum was to be sent to the girls parents and that they

should recover the same from the girls wages in two installments. The employers

are also provided with a receipt. This leader had visited the father of the family andinformed him that his girls would be employed as a domestic workers at a convent

in Goa. They asked him for Rs. 250/- as railway fare. The next day, the girls were

transported to Goa.

Ms. Rosario and Sr. Immaculate together with the nuns visited the homes of

Shaila and Shanta. Shaila reiterated that she wished to return home but would want

her sister with her. However, she had no clue of her whereabouts.The agent needed

to be contacted. Hence the team proceeded to the advocates home in town where

Sheila was employed. In a private conversation, Sheila confessed that she too

would like to return home. The team listened to the family members and discussed

the trafficking that had taken place and settled down to repatriate the four girls to

their homes.

The local agent was not contactable. His mobile was switched off for manyhours. However, it was only through the intervention of the advocate that finally he

was traced and agreed to meet them. They then proceeded to Shivanti village and

tracked down Shalini. Shalini, on the other hand, did not seem to have any problems

with her employer but was not sure of how long it would last. She, too, agreed to

return home with her sister.

Arrangements were made to have the girls repatriated. But we could not send

them alone, as the girls safety was at stake. The trafficker was angry, rude and

quite a disturbed person. Sr. Immaculate volunteered to accompany the girls. Five

tickets were booked for the 24th

of July.

But then began the resistance. Sheilas employer refused to let her go and

informed and they had contacted her parents who had agreed to let her work with

them. Shalinis employer, at first, empathized with the situation and was cooperative

with the repatriation. So it seemed. But the night before the departure, she called

and abused all clergy for interfering with domestic workers. She indicated that the

story of their trafficking was a fraud. Shalini had informed them that they were

well aware that they would be placed with families. They have come for rural, poor

dwellings with only dal and rice for their meals. She told the centre that Shalini was

very happy to continue to work for them. Now that Shalini would not return with

them, Shaila refused to leave Goa without her sister. On the 24th

morning, even at

the time of the departure of the train, Sr. Immaculate was at the booking office

returning the tickets.

Trafficking Migrant Domestic Workers into the State is rampant. These girls

leave their rural areas and move to urban areas in the hope of working for a betterlife. Some may be fortunate to be placed in good homes but many others are

exploited not only by the employers but by traffickers as well. The money taken

from employers is occasionally and thoughtlessly disregarded. When Shalini learned

that the money taken by the traffickers from the employer was not sent home to

her family, she remarked: We are sold!

The issue of trafficking has grown to be a grave concern for the Movement

who have now extended work into the source areas. Village vigilant committees,

awareness campaigns through street plays, speeches and interactions have helped

to a large extent to curb this menace.

SR. AUGUSTA, GOA UNIT, NATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS MOVEMENT

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has

recently released a 110-page report on

the Exploitation and Abuse of Girl

Domestic Workers in Guinea. The

report highlights the plight of tens of

thousands of young girls, as young as

8 years old, who work up to 18 hours

as domestic workers, often without

pay. Those that do receive irregular

payment are paid less than US$5 a

month. They often suffer physical

violence, abuse, sexual harassment andrape by their employers. Domestic

work is the largest category of work

for children worldwide, and this is true

of Guinea as well. The full report can

be downloaded from:

h t t p : / / h r w . o r g / r e p o r t s / 2 0 0 7

guinea0607guinea0607webwcover.pdf.

Research & Publications

Sr. Lissy Joseph, Regional Co-

ordinator, NDWM Andhra Pradesh,has been awarded the Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

from the Osmania University, on 18th

August 2006. Her thesis was titled: A

Study on Stress and Coping Pattern

among Domestic Workers in cities

of Hyderabad and Secunderabad,

under the guidance of Dr. (Mrs.) Anna

Mathew, Principal, R.M. College of

Social Work & Research Centre, Pan

Maktha, Hyderabad.

Congratulations!

Ms. Condoleeza Rice, Secretary of

State, USA, released the Seventh

Annual Trafficking in Persons

Report, on 13th June 2007. More andmore countries are coming to see

human trafficking for what it is a

modern-day form of slavery that

devastates families and communities

around the world. The reports purpose

is to raise awareness, to highlight best

practices and to inspire governments

to take action against trafficking. This

years report covers 164 countries in

total.

Felicitations & Documentations


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70 participants representing migrantdomestic workers, leaders, migrant

organizations and unions together with

partners from civil society, trade unions

and peasant and social movement groups

from 16 countries had come together at

the Asian Regional Consultation on the

GFMD 2007, on 15-16 June 2007 in

Pasig City, Philippines. Ms. Marina

Basumatary , National Domestic

Workers Movement North East Region

represented the Movement at the

convention. The first Asian DomesticWorkers Assembly was held on 17-18

June. The Assembly was organized by

the Coalition for Migrants Rights (CMR)

and Migrant Forum in Asia with the

support of other parallel international

organizations.

Statement of Unity drawn at the

Asian Domestic Workers Assembly

This is the second regionalconsultation focusing on migration and

development. It builds upon the first

consultation held in Bangkok in August

2006, in preparation for the United

Nations High Level Dialogue on

Migration and Development (HLD) in

September 2006.

This second Asian Regional Civil

Society Consultation aimed to discuss,

analyze, strategize, plan, coordinate and

jointly act on national, regional and global

issues, agendas and positions of MigrantDomestic Workers (MDWs) in Asia.

A Statement of Unity was drawn out

affirming their stand that Domestic Work

is Work! Womens Work is Work! They

resolved to address jointly the following

priority issues confronting MDWs in

U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice released the U.S. Trafficking in Person

report Tuesday, awarding honors to several people for their efforts in workingtoward eliminating human trafficking. The founder of Indonesian organization Migrant

Care, Wahyu Susilo, was one of the recipients of a Heroes Acting to End

Modern-Day Slavery award. The report praised Wahyu for being, at the forefront

of the battle to protect and secure rights for Migrant Workers in Indonesia.

In 2000, he established an advocacy network of 80 organizations working to

improve anti-trafficking legislation in the country. Since migrant workers are

susceptible to trafficking during the recruitment process, Wahyu has campaigned

for stronger regulations governing recruitment by employment agencies, the report

said.

Migrant Care has investigated thousands of cases involving the disappearance

of Indonesian migrant workers and has lobbied the government of Indonesia tolocate them. The report said

Wahyus efforts had, significantly

raised national consciousness

about the reality of human

trafficking, especially after the

Nunukan tragedy in 2002 in which

350,000 migrant workers were

deported from Malaysia, causing

a humanitarian crisis.

Activist honored for Anti-Trafficking Work

Asia: issues at pre-departure stageonsite and at the workplace, and on

return and repatriation. Together they

sought to build the Asian Migran

Domestic Workers Regional Alliance

and Strategic Action Agenda through

advocacy, campaigns, organizing

capacity-building, lobbying and public

actions at the national, regional and

international levels.

They have affirmed that MDWs

contribute by their hard labour and

remittances to the development of bothreceiving and sending countries, socially

economically and culturally. To this end

they will take leadership for collective

campaigns and struggles, assert their

rights and dignity and implement priority

plans and agendas for the effective

protection of MDWs.

THE JAKARTA POST, 14TH JUNE 2007

NDWM has joined hands with

Womens World Summit Foundation

(WWSF) to support World Day for

Prevention of Child Abuse on 19th

November 2007. Our name will be

published in the global campaign poster

and the Internet.

World Day for Prevention of Child

Abuse was launched in 2000 by

WWSF for the creation of a global

culture of prevention and for the

implementation of the Convention on

the Rights of the Child, as well as the

recommendations contained in the UN

Study on violence against children.

World

Day forPrevention

of Child Abuse

19th November 2007

Congratulations to Mr. Wahyu Susila, on

receiving the Heroes Acting to End

Modern Day Slavery award.

Mr. Susila constantly keeps the Movement

updated on issues related to anti-trafficking.

He strongly supports the work of the

Movement.

We wish him all the very Best in your Work.

In Collaboration with MFADomestic Work is Work!Womens Work is Work!

Building an Asian Migrant

Domestic Workers Regional

Alliance and Strategic

Action Agenda


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The International Day of Remembrance for the Slave Trade and

its Abolition (August 23, 2007) serves as a reminder to the global

community of the roots of oppression in the forms of forced labour and

denial of the inherent human dignity of individuals and communities.

Shamefully however, while we remember this horrific past we call

for a denunciation of situations of slavery like conditions and forced

labour that continue to exist in the world today.

Migrant Forum Asia urges the

recognition of suffering and death

of millions of migrants due to

slavery like conditions and to

acknowledge the inhumanetreatment accorded to them in

vulnerable situations. In the highly competitive global market economy

of today there is a critical link between slavery like conditions,

forced labour, migration and trafficking flows.

Very often many migrant workers are confined to their quarters,

not given any off days, denied their wages and forced to work long

hours. Migrant workers are subjected to abusive treatment such as;

canings, sexual assault, beatings and verbal insults on a daily basis.

Migrant workers wishing to go abroad are subject to exorbitant fees,

abused by recruitment agencies, are subjected to xenophobic profiling

and negatively stigmatized. The denial of core rights (i.e. adequate

food, shelter, education, healthcare) is inexcusable. Many migrants face

unnecessary restrictions on their movements within host countries and

face increased vulnerability and exploitation in practices by employers

who withhold their passports. In some situations they are forced to live

in conditions of squalor and are subjected to threats of detention and

deportation.

In 1998, The International Labor Organization (ILO) created the

Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, to oblige

member states to eliminate forced labor andto acknowledge that human

dignity should not be sacrificed for economic progress and development

initiatives.

According to Anti-Slavery International, millions of men, womenand children around the world are forced to lead lives as slaves. Although

this exploitation is often not called slavery, the conditions are the same.

People are sold like objects, forced to work for little or no pay and are at

the mercy of their employers. The number of migrants in irregular

situations continues to rise and is fuelled by the growth of informal forms

of employment, shortages of workers for dirty, demeaning and dangerous

jobs. MFA is in solidarity with anti-slavery movements and campaigns

against situations where slave-like conditions are imposed on workers

irrespective of status. Egregious human rights violations and exploitive

labour practices must be stopped!

MFA Calls for the Elimination of theSlavery Like Conditions and Forced

Labour of Migrant Workers

People are sold like objects,forced to work for little or nopay and are at the mercy of

their employers.

Relatives of the four Indonesian maids who wereallegedly severely beaten by their Saudi employers

in Aflaj more than two weeks ago protested

yesterday outside the Saudi Arabian Embassy in

Jakarta, Indonesia, along with workers rights

activists, demanding that the remains of the two

maids who died of their injuries and the two survivors

be sent home immediately. We started this protest

this morning with 100 participants, including all of

the relatives of the four maids, outside the Saudi

Embassy here, said Wahyu Susilo of Migrant Care

in an interview from Jakarta. We have erected a

tent outside the embassy and we will go on a hungerstrike until the Saudi authorities send the women

home.

It was the second protest in front of the Saud

Embassy. On August 13, the same group of labour

activists held a protest and handed over a protest

letter to embassy officials from relatives of the

victims. Siti Tarwiyah Slamet, 32, and Susmiyati

Abdul Fulan, 28, both died of their injuries on Augus

3rd

in Alflaj, a town 320 kilometers south of the Saud

capital Riyadh. Tari Tarsim, 27, and Ruminih Surtim

25, both survived two days of alleged beatings by

several men from the Saudi family that they al

worked for after being accused of practicing black

magic on the son of their employers. Both were lef

severely injured and were transferred to Riyadh

Medical Complex.

Saudi police have since arrested seven male

suspects for interrogation and took Tari away from

the hospital for questioning. Susmiyatis brother

Supomo told the Jakarta Post that he wanted his

sisters body repatriated as soon as possible and

that all those responsible for killing his sister should

be severely punished.The Saudi authorities have stilnot released the bodies of the two deceased maids

to the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, and have also

not allowed the embassy official access to the two

remaining survivors. The relatives of the victims and

activists have vowed to continue their protests

outside the Saudi Embassy until all four victims

return home.

RASHEED ABOU-ALSAMH, ARAB NEWJEDDAH, 24 AUGUST 2007

Indonesians ProtestOutside Saudi Embassy

in Jakarta

MFA News


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During the US Social Forum, New York-

based Domestic Workers United(DWU) and over ten other domestic

worker organizations from California to

Maryland founded a historic national

network of domestic workers to link their

struggles and more effectively agitate for

change. Stemming from the history of

slavery, domestic workers are excluded

from most basic labour protections which

US workers enjoy.

Day in the Life

Household workers are excluded fromthe National Labour Relations Act,

which grants workers the right to

organize. As casual workers, they are

not afforded the federal minimum wage

mandated in the Fair Labour Standards

Act (FLSA). Nor does the FLSA provide

live-in household workers the right to

overtime. The Occupational Safety and

Health Act excludes domestic workers

as a matter of policy. Only one in ten

domestic workers receive health

insurance. Nearly 60% are primaryincome earners for their own families.

Long-hours, little pay, and little personal

time is the daily reality. Workers basic

necessities are at the hands of the

employers.

Domestic Workers Take US Social ForumBy StormForm National Alliance

BRENT PERDUE

Yet, many workers will remain at jobs

out of economic necessity that causedtheir migration in the first place. Linda

of DWU put it crystal clear, Neoliberal

globalization put into place politics that

have destroyed home countries and

pushed them to migrate to places like

New York to support their families. In

fact, 33% of domestic workers reported

coming to the US because they could

not support their family in their home

country.

To combat such abuses, grassrootsDomestic Worker organizations are

pushing for Bill of Rights legislation from

California to Maryland. This upcoming

legislative session DWU is planning for

a major push and hopes for the Bill of

Rights passage. Success in New York,

for many Domestic Workers, means a

strong precedent for nation-wide

change. DWU is pushing for the Bill of

Rights that would mandate a livable

wage, payment of overtime, and

protections from human trafficking.What it comes down to for DWU is that

domestic work be recognized,

respected, and protected just as any

another job would be.

We Built

This CityDuring a

march through New York City this June

DWU members carried cardboard cut-

offs of the City sky-line on their backs

with the phrase, We Built This City.

All the behind doors work is sustaining

the economy, stated Celeste Escobar

DWU. The lawyers, Wall Street suits

and managers rely on the labour of

household workers to maintain their

families, have a social life, and workoutside the home. Indeed, domestic work

is one of the fluids that keeps this

economy running as work that enables

other work to happen.

Domestic workers are organizing

across the country because it is time this

country respects and recognizes

domestic work. These different groups

have a common understanding that the

abuse of domestic workers is a nationa

problem that requires a nationa

response. Advocates believe that theywill turn the widespread exploitation into

an opportunity to build mutual support

and power, organize, and raise

awareness in the general public abou

the struggles of domestic workers.

domestic work is

one of the fluids that

keeps this economy

running as work

that enables other

work to happen

Domestic Workers Launch National Alliance for Justice on Labour DayOn 3rd September, America celebrated Labour Day and Members of Domestic Workers United an organization of

New York nannies, housekeepers and elderly caregivers, predominantly from the Caribbean and Latin America, celebrated

the formation of a National Domestic Workers Alliance for Justice with a renewed commitment to organizing for a NewYork Domestic Workers Bill of Rights including a living wage, health care and basic benefits, and reminding legislators

of the necessity for labour standards for this critical workforce that makes all other work possible. This Alliance will be

represented by thousands of workers and four cities across the country including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington

DC and San Francisco.

The goals of the newly formed National Domestic Workers Alliance are to build the power of the domestic

workforce, bring visibility to the struggles of domestic workers, and improve the workplace conditions. Members marched

in the Caribbean Day Parade along Eastern Parkway to bring visibility to the struggles of Domestic Workers at the annual

celebration of Caribbean immigrant heritage in New York. Caribbean immigrant women have represented a significant

percentage of the domestic workforce in New York for over three decades.

National Alliance of Domestic Workers in the USA


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On the 31st May 07 , during the

International Labour Conference (ILC),

a one hour meeting on domestic/

household workers was organised as a

side event, by the International Trade

Union Confederation (ITUC) and

Bureau for Workers Activities of the

ILO (ACTRAV). Luc Demaret

presented to the whole workersdelegation, a film clip made by ACTRAV.

Samuel Grumiau (working for ITUC)

gave a short introduction about the

problems faced by domestic/household

workers. The chair of the meeting was

Kamalam, Director of the ITUC Equality

Department which is also responsible for

migration issues.

Simon Steyne, TUC UK, member

of the ILO Governing Body, stressed

that all fundamental rights apply also to

domestic/household workers, but aspecific instrument (a convention) is

needed. Stressed that (in connection)

national campaigns are needed

especially on child labour and forced

labour. He proposed the idea that the UN

agencies staff in Geneva could form an

employers organisation to give their

domestic/household workers a good

contract.

Evy Messell - head of ILO Gender

desk - referred to the initiative of the

Rights of Domestic Workers

ILO discusses the issue of Domestic Workers rights at theInternational Labour Conference

WITHTHANKSTO ITUC OFFICEIN GENEVATO

ANNA BIONDI

gender specialists to make a long term

overall plan on domestic work, to be

more effective and connect the work of

the different departments of the ILO.

The ILO has carried out substantial

research and several projects which did

make domestic work more visible.

ACTRAV will also devote the next

issue of their quarterly periodical LabourEducation to domestic/household

workers. Samuel Grumiau he will be the

co-writer of the issue. ITUC and

ACTRAV will propose that the 2008

celebration of March 8 at the ILO will

be on domestic work.

Next step is a mapping report of the

work of the ILO on domestic work.

Domestic work should be a part of the

global technical programme of the ILO.

Barbro Budin and Anneke van Luijken

presented the international networkRespect and Rights for Domestic

Workers for which the Global Union

IUF takes the responsibility.

All presentations were very short to

have time for the audience to address

their questions. An explosion of

exploitation has become visible, also in

well organised sectors (care work).

The earthquake was a horrible moment

which keeps coming back to me. We

were very scared. I ran as fast as I could

to the school of my boy. I thought I would

never see him again. thank God, he wa

OK. I could not recognise my house, now

all in rubble and debris. But our situation

was still far better than the people wholive 3 hours from Lima, the epicentre o

the earthquake. There many people have

died. My son and I now live with my

sister, at Iprofoth.

Everyday we receive news abou

our compaeras and their families, in

the region of the earthquake. We have

asked all friends to support us. It is

heartbreaking, so much need, food fo

the children etc. People have los

relatives and several are missing. Many

do not know where to live now.

We are Domestic Workers, and

what we have we will give. But we do

not have economic resources to continue

helping. We have joined in a group and

each of us have given 10 dollars. In

Iprofoth, there is no telephone at the

moment, but my mobile does work.

Lets work in solidarity.

Solidarity is theStrength and Hope

for Domestic

WorkersThe recent 7.9m earthquakethat shook Perus centracoast, on 15th August, killing115 people and injuring more

than a thousand did notdestroy the spirit of the peopleDomestic Workers got togetheto lend support to the victimsFollowing is a translatedaccount of Marcolina, aDomestic Worker who hadsurvived the earthquake

When the house becomes a workplace, rights of workers must be made clear. What

are the expectations of the workers, have they lowered their standards because they

have no other option to earn an income?

These workers are pushed into the informal, but it is a most formal employment relation.

Organisation is core. For these workers legal acts must be developed and kept

(especially refers to the Indian situation).

In Ireland, we just have a new statutory code, but it is true, there

is no (progressive) employers association with which the unions can

negotiate.

Some of the issues addressed at the convention

MUST BE CLEAR

International Networks


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The government joined forces with the global community yesterday in a campaign

to free the agricultural sector from child labour. The Labour Ministry, the

International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other labour bodies kicked off the

campaign to mark the World Day Against Child Labour yesterday. This years

focus was on child workers in the agricultural sector.

According to the ILO, 70% of child labour, accounting for 132 million girls

and boys aged from five to 14, are found in this sector. Instead of being in

schools, these children work in crop and livestock production. They toil to

supply the food and drinks we consume everyday and the products that the food

industry uses to cater to our needs, said Guy Thijs, deputy regional director of

the ILOs Asia and the Pacific Office.

Labour Minister Apai Chanthaehulaka affirmed Thailands commitment tofight against child labour. He said Thailand has taken various actions to eliminate

the worst forms of child labour, such as extending protection to the informal

sector, increasing compulsory education to 12 years, and changing laws to

suppress and prevent the use of children in prostitution. All state agencies involved,

he said, will work together to make child-labour-free agriculture a reality.

Mr Thijs said that child labour in agriculture is not about children helping

out parents on their own land for a few hours, but those under 15 who work

several hours per day and those under 18 who are engaged in hazardous work

or working conditions that are harmful to their health and development. Its not

that parents cant get their children to work on their farms at all. The tasks that

are suitable for their ages and do not interfere with their schooling and proper

leisure time are certainly not an issue here, he said.He praised the Thai government

for adopting the ministerial regulation

concerning labour protection in the

agricultural sector in 2004, which

includes the prohibition of full time

employment of children aged under

15. However, despite lots of

progress, Mr Thijs said that a number

of rural Thai children are still found

working alongside family members

in plantations. These kids areexposed to agricultural chemicals,

which pose a greater hazard to

children with weaker immune

systems. Many work very long hours

and often have to move from one

place to another. They are denied

the opportunity to attend school, he

said.

Thai Govt joins ILO fightagainst child labour

ANJIRA ASSAVANONDABANGKOK POST 13 JUNE 2007

June 25th

, New Delhi: India is in a move

to contain increasing instances of

exploitation and is contemplating a ban on

housemaids going to work in countries with

which it does not have a labour welfare pact

According to a new proposal from the

Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

(MOIA), a ban will force the countries to

come to the negotiation table for a welfare

agreement.

The ministry is considering a ban on

the emigration of Indian women having

emigration clearance required (ECR)

passport to a country if it refuses to negotiatea bilateral memorandum of understanding

(MoU),said an official source. The ban

could be lifted if the country returns to the

negotiating table. The official added.

India has already signed similar MoUs

with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan and is negotiating

agreements with Malaysia, Oman, Yemen

and Bahrain.

It is believed that more than 200,000

Indian woman are working as HSW

(Household Service Workers) in the Gulf

region. The number of Indian housemaids

has sharply increased in the last three, four

years, from about 5,000 women, mostly

from Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, in 2004

to 15,000 in 2005.

According to the source, overseas

Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi has

already discussed the matter with a

ministerial subcommittee and with an

inter ministerial meeting convened specially

to discuss the issue.Officials pointed out that Saudi Arabia

has not begun the negotiation process at the

government level. The minister (Mr. Ravi)

is of the view that woman household

workers cannot be protected in a country

that is disinclined to sign the MoU for

bilateral cooperation. Some sources said, he

has already suggested a total ban on woman

workers to such countries.

India to ban maidsfor a few nations

THE ASIAN AGE, TUESDAY, JUNE 26TH 2007piccourtesy:ARC/SNDTWomensUnive

rsity

News Reports


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Most stories about Indonesian Domestic

Workers who labour overseas are grim.

Abuse, rip-offs, brutality, with some

Indonesian migrant workers (TKI)

coming home in wheelchairs or coffins.

But this yarn is

cheeringly different

undoubtedly because the

woman involved is in a

class of her own.

Kaimah, 31, left Cilacap

in Central Java, her

husband Elia Tri Madi

and their 3-year-old son

Reza two years ago withone goal: to raise enough

money to buy medicine

for her younger sister

Suwanti who was

suffering from bone cancer. The disease

is now in remission but Kaimah has

stayed on in Taipei to earn more money

for Rezas education.

Taiwanese employers believe

Indonesian Domestic Workers have a

reputation for being flexible and placid

unlike their colleagues from the

Philippines. Kaimahs boss, Chen Kong,

runs a printing business; he said Filipino

workers were better educated, but

tended to be arrogant and consider

themselves superior. But in putting the

tiny Kaimah on his payroll he has got

anything but the standard complacent

TKI. Instead hes fostering a political

activist in the making.

We are hired for our ability to do

menial work that the Taiwanese dontwant to do, she said. Many people look

down on Domestic Workers from

abroad, but we are ambassadors for our

country. We should keep our heads high,

be proud of being Indonesians and tellDUNCAN GRAHAM, CONTRIBUTOR, TAIPEFEATURES NEWS - SEPTEMBER 13, 2007

KAIMAH: the dignity of the Long Distance Workerthe Taiwanese about our great nation.

We should be able to sing and dance so

we can show other countries that we are

cultured people. Were not just muscles.

We have brains and we must use them.

This is not just empty

rhetoric. Kaimah

does not shuffle

behind her employers

trying to be invisible in

a pale uniform, but

pedals a bike around

Taipei wearing bright

colors, jostling for

space with the localsas an equal. She has

taught herself

Mandarin and English

and is at ease in both,

speaking up with fluency and vigour.

On one occasion, the feisty Kaimah

was in a Taipei restaurant when it was

visited by a delegation of senior

Indonesian bureaucrats and national

politicians on an official visit to Taiwan.

While others sat silent, conscious that in

the presence of such VIPs, Kaimah, took

the opportunity to dispense with the

standard Javanese formalities and gave

the visitors a good blast about the plight

of the TKI. In her sights were employers

who maltreat workers, labour agencies

that cheat TKI out of their wages with

illegal fees, banks that charge 19 percent

for loans and workers who sign contracts

they do not understand. Kaimah stressed

that the Indonesian government should

take a more vigorous role in protectingits citizens abroad and enforce the law.

The visitors, nonplused by the outburst,

just nodded and departed.

Late last year, the Indonesian

Economic and Trade Office to Taipei

installed a computer system that records

cell phone text messages 24 hours a day

from disgruntled TKI. So far it has takenmore than 7,000 hits. The office also

runs three shelters for abused workers

and those seeking new placements.

But Kaimah is also critical some TKI

who get themselves into trouble for not

being assertive and trusting too much

Some get into relationships with

Taiwanese men. Lending money to

friends who then abscond with the cash

trusting others to repatriate money

instead of using banks and running away

from employers add to the woes of thevulnerable and ill prepared. There are

105,000 TKI in Taiwan and most are

women. They are attracted by the high

wages but not all manage to repatriate

their earnings. Budget management is

critical; some let the money go to their

head. The temptation to buy things like

cell phones and clothes is very great, bu

we have to remember why we are

here, said Kaimah. Some women earn

a lot of money but they lose it to grasping

relatives or spend it. Within three months

of returning home they have nothing. If

theyd been careful they could have used

the capital to start a business.

In the absence of an independen

trade union for the TKI, Kaimah has

become the workers unofficia

representative. Her ability to confron

issues and language fluency also led her

to be recognized as an outstanding

representative of her country at a big

public event. This was staged by RadioTaiwan International and loca

companies to thank the TKI for their

contribution to the economy.

We should keep our

heads high, be proud of

being Indonesians...

we can show other

countries that we are

cultured people.

Were not just muscles.We have brains and

we must use them.

Domestic Workers are also Humans

Don't be disquieted in time of adversity. Be firm with dignity and self-reliant with vigour.

Chiang Kai-Shek


16/16

What is hope, ask a bee in cold winter days,

she hangs around the pruned rose bushes,

with the hope that someday the spring will

come,

and the flowers will bloom again in the garden.

What is hope, ask the blue bird pair in early

spring,

they work diligently to bring every twig and

grass,

to build their nest in the corner nook of myhouse,

I see the hope in the eyes of this lovely pair,

They are dreaming of a happy home for their

family.

What is hope, ask a lonesome soul,

When the uncertainties linger around in mind,

hope is the only refuge to calm our fears,When the loneliness sends one in depression,

the hope of a companionship overshadows

the despair.

What is hope, ask a human being,

our life is a sand castle of hope on a sandy

beach,

with the lingering fear of drowning in occasional

high tide,our destiny, our future, and our own

survival,

hangs around the magical hope, the

hope that is the eternal inspiration.

JAY P NARAIN

Hope

BOOK-POST

To,

ForCorrespondence:TheEditor,NationalDomesticWorkersMovement104,

St.MarysApts

A

wing,

NesbitRd.,

Mazgaon,Mumbai-400010.

Publishedby:NationalDomesticWorkersMove

mentForPrivateCirculationOnlyPrintedatJenazPrinters

,Mumbai.

16Red16Black

newsletter - october 2007, ndwm (national domestic workers movement)

Documents