THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Jamshedpur, June 17: In observance of International Domestic Workers Day, an awareness program focusing on the rights and entitlements of domestic workers was organized on Monday at Prithvi Park in Mango.
The event was jointly hosted by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the Personality Development Institute, aiming to educate domestic workers about legal protections and welfare schemes available to them.
The event was graced by Dharmendra Kumar, Secretary of DLSA, as the chief guest. Also present were Dilip Jaiswal, President of the Personality Development Institute, Pushpa Toppo, Community Organizer of Mango Municipal Corporation, Sulochana, State Coordinator of the Jharkhand Domestic Workers Union, and Vijay Tiwari, noted social worker.
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Addressing the gathering of domestic workers, DLSA Secretary Dharmendra Kumar stressed the importance of legal awareness among women. “Before one can benefit from any law or scheme, awareness is essential,” he said.
“Unless women recognize their rights, they will continue to be victims of suppression and exploitation. I urge all of you to speak up against harassment and approach DLSA without hesitation for free legal aid,” he added.
He encouraged domestic workers to not suffer in silence and reassured them that DLSA will stand by them in their legal struggles.
Sulochana, the State Coordinator of the Jharkhand Domestic Workers Union, spoke about the ground realities faced by domestic workers, many of whom remain outside the purview of social security schemes and basic rights. “Despite working long hours, most domestic workers are denied minimum wages, health benefits, and dignity at the workplace,” she said.
Pushpa Toppo shared useful insights on forming women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and how such collectives can access various government benefits, including health insurance, skill training, and credit support.
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Social worker Vijay Tiwari emphasized the need for societal change in attitude toward domestic workers. “We must recognize the invaluable contribution of these women to our households. Awareness is not just needed among workers but also among employers,” he added.
The program saw a large turnout of domestic workers and community members, including Mamta, Lakshmi, Saraswati Devi, Chanda Devi, Padma, Kamala, Urmila Pandey, Ravindra Singh, Sheela Namta, Shama Parveen, Mohammad Yunus, Motilal, and Sunil Pandey. Their active participation reflected a growing interest in knowing their rights and voicing their concerns.
