Women We Overlook…
We had an interesting theme for women’s day 2021 — #Choosetochallenge. And we may be challenging all traditions and dictates of an archaic era in every sphere of life, working towards including everyone. But are we? Think of groups of women you forgot to check in on or wish. Can’t think of them?
You wished your colleagues, family members, your role models and probably some women down the street if you were certainly very inclusive.
What about your domestic help? Or your cook or the cleaning lady. She might not understand the concept of celebrating a special day, she might even not be able to read your message. Did you try to share her a message in her own language or did you make her feel proud of the work, the contribution she has in your success, as she takes care of your home, your children or your parents while you work hard and have no trace of time?
With no laws, no social protection, no formal work engagement and no formal structure of employment, women working as domestic workers are among the most vulnerable groups in India. There are obviously no accurate statistics available with documented numbers ranging from 3.9 to 90 million (ILO). The pandemic has not only been harsh on them, but many of them have not been able to secure work or incomes earned at pre-pandemic levels.
But they are a resilient group, and I sincerely admire their determination, their ability to leverage their acquired intellect to earn, save and invest money for their own needs and for the needs of those dependent on them. With negligible financial literacy, yet they navigate through the social and emotional burden of terms and conditions largely dictated by people who employ them.
Until we together figure out more formal structures of paid domestic work, pause and ask your help, check in on them, respect them give them at least 4 paid leaves a month and a safe and secure working environment. Let’s choose to challenge the status quo for every human life and leave no one behind.
