A national dialogue was held on Wednesday (August 2) under the framework of Ekotay Morjada – Unity for Dignity project, EIDHR/2019/412-276, co-funded by the European Union, and TDH Italia and implemented by Shobujer Ovijan Foundation (SOF) and Karmojibi Nari (KN) with the aim to promote the socio-economic rights of domestic and Ready-Made Garment (RMG) workers in Dhaka city.
The project contributes to the Team Europe Initiative on Decent Work.
This initiative involving the EU, its Member States, like-minded European Countries and financial institutions to support the strengthening of Bangladesh’s economy by working for more and better jobs.
Within the framework of this project, (SOF) in collaboration with the Domestic Worker’s Rights Network (DWRN) and Sramik Nirapotta Forum (SNF), TDH Italia and (KN) organized a National Dialogue on-
1. Initiative to ratify ILO C 189 by the Government of Bangladesh
2. Implement Domestic Workers’ Protection & Welfare Policy, 2015
The government has formulated the DWPWP, 2015, but there is no significant reflection of this in the workplace. As per the recent BILS study, all of the domestic workers reported varying level of monthly wages. While talking about their holidays at work, a slightly higher than the half of the total respondents said they enjoy vacation from their employers.
According to the policy, the Central Monitoring Cell has been formed and so far, 6 meetings of the cell have been held. However, no significant decision has been taken yet.
Co-funded by the European Union Md Mujibul Haque MP, Chairman standing committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, blessed the event as a Chief Guest. Alen Maleti, Programme Officer – Labour Rights & Education from the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh, Anne Drong, National Project Coordinator, ILO Country Office for Bangladesh and Dr. Selina Akter, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, was present as the Special Guests. Besides that, representatives from the Domestic Workers' Rights Network (DWRN), Sramik Nirapotta Forum (SNF), and Trade Unions was also present as designated discussants. Last but not least, 80 participants from different like-minded organisations participated in the national dialogue.
Dr. Selina Akter, Additional Secretary Ministry of Labor and Employment said in her speech, “As more you will be united, the more presser will be created to the government, and the more opportunities will be created. But civil society should come up with academic findings.
Informal workers do not have any scopes to inform their issues. Civil society should come up with domestic works related data so that government can go forward, she said.
Anne Drong, ILO Representative National Project Coordinator said in her speech said, “Bangladesh government has ratified the ILO C 138, and ILO think that the government has the willingness to do better for the domestic workers. We need to listen form the domestic workers to ensure their rights besides that we need to identify which factor incentivized the domestic workers employer, to give their rights.”
Alen Maletić, Programme Officer – Labour Rights/Education EU Representative said in his speech said that Domestic workers require decent working conditions. Wages were drop down during the pandemic period. ILO c 189 is can be used as an important tool to ensure to domestic workers rights, the EU with the other partners together working for the Domestic workers.
Team Europe is approaching by sharing expertise and financial help along with Govt. and CSOs. Domestic workers policy is good but legal framework is requisite. It is a complex topic. so, we need all stakeholder’s cooperation.
Abul Hossain Coordinator Incharge DWRN and Advisor NDWWU presented the policy brief. Nazma Yesmin, Director BILS and Member Secretary, DWRN was the moderator, Mahmuda Begum, Executive Director of SOF chaired the session Razib Debnath Country Representative Terre des Hommes Italia gave vote of thanks to the participants and distinguished guests.
M.m Kayser/Nasim
