'It's the change of my life”

'It's the change of my life'

Supporting domestic workers in Nepal

'Before this training, I could not talk to other people. Now I don't feel any hesitation; when I introduce myself, I am proud to say I am Deepak Danuwar and I work as a domestic worker. And now I participate in various campaigns to make domestic work into decent work.'

Deepak is the eldest son from a family of 13 from Dhulabari Jhapa in Nepal. His parents were not able to send him to school and he has not had opportunities to study. Since he was 15 years old, he has been working as a domestic worker. Recently he has been working in Kathmandu. But, 'It was difficult to work for both my former employer as well as the present one. But I have no option - I have to do my work'.

Earlier in the year, Deepak joined the Nepali Independent Domestic Workers Union and joined in a series of capacity-building and campaigning activities being supported by the TUC. 'As a new member of the Nidwu committee in Kalanki, I got the opportunity to participate in training on advocacy skills and leadership, and on unionism and membership recruitment. I have also been attending meetings and participating in the petition to collect signatures to support the rights of domestic workers'.

Because of the skills and confidence that Deepak has picked up as a result of his participation, he says: 'My employer's behaviour has changed towards me. His behaviour is more positive than before and he is now providing me with training to become a driver. My salary has also increased. Before, it was just 2000 Nepali rupees per month, but now my salary is 3000. It's the change of my life.'

Yasoda Giri is a 30-year old domestic worker, originally from Sindhupalanchowk, and she also has been participating in Nidwu activities. She says, 'Before this, I had to 'cheat' my employer to be able to go on training but now they send me easily. My employer's behaviour has changed a lot towards me. Now they ask about my health, my family and if I have any problems.'

So far, as part of this TUC-supported project, 140 domestic workers have received training on union rights, over 200 extra workers have joined Nidwu, and more than 1100 have signed a petition to press for improved rights for domestic workers. There has also been a union delegation to discuss domestic workers' rights with the then Prime Minister.

This project has a global element too. The International Labour Organisation has been negotiating the text of a convention to protect the rights of domestic workers, and the President of Nidwu, Sonu Danuwar attended the ILO's conference in Geneva in June to help make the case.

Speaking at a rally for domestic workers held in Geneva, she said: 'I bring with me the giant apron made by ADWN (Asian Domestic Workers Network, a network of local adult domestic workers). More than 3,800 domestic workers from across Asia have put in their demands and we have sewed this into a giant apron. We altogether demand for ILO convention for domestic workers.'

In the coming months, the project will focus on domestic violence - an issue which faces many domestic workers behind closed doors. A documentary film has been produced on the issues and this will be broadcast on TV and distributed to union committees throughout Nepal. Nidwu members have already identified how they want legislation tightened to protect them against domestic violence and they will be taking their case to ministers and officials.

In the words of Sonu concluding her speech in Geneva, 'Decent work, dignity for domestic workers in every country. Minimum wage, social security, health and working hour limit, insurance for domestic workers.'

Vicky Cann

August 2010