SEWA Nagaland seeks fair wages for home-based workers

Observes International Home-Based Workers Day

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 22: Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Nagaland, an organization dedicated to the rights and welfare of informal workers, has called for the inclusion of home-based workers in national labour statistics and policies, ensuring their rightful place within the formal economy.

Observing the International Home-Based Workers Day on October 22 in Kohima, SEWA Nagaland also underscored the necessity of fair wages, social protection and dignity for all home-based workers, both in Nagaland and across India.

The event featured a rally and an interface dialogue, focusing on raising awareness about the critical role of home-based workers in the informal economy and advocating for their recognition and protection.

A central focus of the discussions was the importance of integrating home-based workers into national labor laws, as outlined in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention C177, which was adopted in 1996. SEWA Nagaland called on the Government of India to ratify this convention and extend essential labor rights and protections to home-based workers, similar to those given to wage earners. The findings of the survey conducted by SEWA on home-based workers were presented.

Home-based workers, who produce goods or services from their homes, engage in activities such as textile weaving, garment stitching, food preparation and crafting, as well as offering services like laundry, beauty treatments and clerical work. Despite their significant contributions to industries like textiles and handicrafts, these workers often remain invisible and lack social protection, fair wages and basic labor rights.

The event began with a rally through Kohima Town, starting from BOC Junction to Phoolbari Junction, followed by an interface dialogue at APO Hall, Kohima. The dialogue served as a platform for informal women workers to engage with Government officials and NGOs stressing the need for improved working conditions and labor protections.

Guest of honour, Avile Vitso, Joint Labour Commissioner of Nagaland, commended SEWA for its leadership in empowering women workers. In her address, she remarked, “Our society progresses because of the efforts of women like SEWA’s home-based workers”, and emphasized the need for skill development, self-reliance and supporting family well-being. She encouraged workers to register on the eShram portal, which would enable them to access Government schemes and benefits, and noted that even migrant workers could benefit from such registration. She also highlighted the Government’s readiness to support women workers with various schemes.

The keynote address was delivered by Vivoto, Counselor at Young Minds NE, who led a session on communication and conflict resolution within families. In his talk on women’s mental health, he emphasized the importance of self-care, particularly for mothers, noting, “Self-care is essential for both personal and family well-being.” He shared practical tips on managing time and finances, maintaining a work-life balance and seeking professional support when needed. (Page News Service)