WISE and Women Domestic Workers Union-Punjab Rally for Rights

Domestic work plays a crucial role in households and societies worldwide, yet it remains one of the most underpaid and overworked professions. In a recent rally organized by the Women Domestic Workers Union-Punjab and WISE, participants highlighted the challenges faced by domestic workers and called for the effective implementation of the Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019.

The rally, held on International Labor Day, saw a large number of women domestic workers demanding fair treatment and better working conditions. They emphasized the need for the Punjab government to register domestic workers with PESSI, issue social security cards, and increase wages to align with inflation rates.

Ms. Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director of WISE, pointed out the vulnerability of women domestic workers to discrimination and various forms of abuse. She urged the government to expedite the framing of rules for the Act's implementation and ensure that all regulations are enforced to protect the rights of domestic workers.

President Shenaz Ajmal and General Secretary Shenaz Fatima reiterated the call for increased wages, implementation of minimum wage notifications, and registration of domestic workers with PESSI and EOBI. They also advocated for extended maternity leave and affordable transport facilities for domestic workers.

The demands put forth by the rally participants underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of domestic workers in Punjab. By addressing these issues and enforcing existing laws, the government can make significant strides towards empowering this essential workforce.