Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Experts Call for Rights and Dignity for Domestic Workers Beyond Laws
Imagine people who help clean our houses and take care of our families.
These helpers, called domestic workers, often don't get paid fairly or are treated badly, like facing bullying or even worse.
Experts gathered to talk about this, saying that just having rules isn't enough.
We also need to change how people think about these workers and treat them with respect, just like any other job.
They have been asking for a special law for a long time to make sure they are safe and treated well.
Even though they are very important for many families, sometimes people don't see them as having important jobs.
They want everyone to understand that domestic workers deserve rights and to be treated with dignity.
Experts stated that laws alone are insufficient for domestic workers, emphasizing the need for societal change and recognition of their rights.
Testimonies highlighted issues faced by domestic workers, including non-payment of wages, discrimination, and harassment.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) official praised the National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW) for giving a public voice to these often-invisible workers.
A call was made for a national law for domestic workers, with reference to India's commitment to ILO's Convention 189.
Discussions also touched upon the need for domestic workers' protection under the POSH Act and inclusivity in the new draft labour policy.
- Who
- Experts, including officials from the UN's International Labour Organization (ILO), Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Human Rights Commission, and Members of Parliament, alongside representatives from domestic workers and employers' associations.
- What
- A discussion on the need for comprehensive rights, dignity, and legal protection for domestic workers, emphasizing that laws alone are insufficient without a societal shift in how they are perceived and treated.
- When
- Recently (implied by the discussion context)
- Where
- Delhi
- Why
- To address the issues of domestic workers, including non-payment of wages, discrimination, harassment, and lack of rights, and to advocate for a national law and greater societal recognition.
- Organization Holding Discussion
- National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW)
- Location
- Delhi
- ILO Convention Mentioned
- Convention 189 (Domestic Workers Convention, 2011)
- Key Issues Raised
- Non-payment of wages, discrimination, physical and sexual harassment, absence of rights
- Proposed Actions
- Need for a national law, societal change in perception, protection under POSH Act