Skip to main content

Raising Awareness on Domestic Workers' Right in Nigeria'

A symposium on the rights and unionization of domestic workers in Nigeria took precedence at a seminar hosted by the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation, and Protection (CEE-HOPE) Nigeria, in collaboration with Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung.

The gathering, held on Tuesday in Lagos, brought together activists, social workers, and journalists to address the imperative of acknowledging and safeguarding domestic workers’ rights.

Betty Abah, the Executive Director of CEE-HOPE Nigeria, illuminated the profound oppression and obscurity confronting domestic workers in Nigeria.

Domestic workers in Nigeria face not only oppression but also invisibility. Unlike countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, where domestic workers benefit from unions and are aware of their rights, Nigerian domestic workers endure various abuses and lack awareness of their rights,” Abah emphasized.

Despite providing essential services, domestic workers often lack access to rights and protections. They toil in isolation under harsh, unregulated conditions, frequently enduring underpayment and various forms of abuse,” Abah noted.
She stressed that unionizing domestic workers could serve as a bulwark for their rights and combat underage labor within the sector.

Despite Nigeria’s ratification of ILO Convention 189 in 2011, which acknowledges the rights of domestic workers, abuses persist unchecked.

Abah implored relevant authorities to redress these violations and lend support to efforts to unionize domestic workers.

Ronke Oyelakin, State Coordinator of Child Protection Network and a representative from Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, underscored the necessity of enforcing existing child protection laws.

Child labor, particularly in domestic work, is exploitative and illegal. We must ensure that every child has equitable opportunities and is shielded from abuse,” Oyelakin emphasized.

She elucidated, “We have the Child Rights Act in Lagos State, which unequivocally stipulates that every child, regardless of family background, should be accorded equal rights.”

She also highlighted, “The International Labour Organization estimates that there are up to 15 million workers under the age of 14 in Nigeria, many of whom are household girls. A girl employed as a household worker is susceptible to various forms of exploitation, including sexual abuse.”

Human rights activist Hassan Soweto echoed the imperative for legislative review and advocacy.
We must examine current labor laws in Nigeria and draw lessons from other African nations where domestic workers enjoy union protections. This will enable us to intervene effectively and propose new legislation,” Soweto proposed.

He further observed, “Domestic work will continue to exist and be performed by individuals; it represents the lowest rung of human endeavor. Even individuals not formally engaged as domestic workers, such as women in patriarchal relationships, often find themselves in situations where they struggle to aspire, necessitating protection.”

The seminar ended with a call to action for all stakeholders to support the unionization of domestic workers and safeguard their rights, with the aim of effecting significant changes in the sector.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating an Icon: Prof Ebele Eko Marks 80th Birthday in Grand Style in Calabar

Today, in the heart of Calabar, the literary community and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of the esteemed Professor Ebele Eko. Although her actual birthday falls on the 2nd of March, today's event marked a grand celebration of her life and contributions to literature and education. Professor Eko, renowned for her extensive work in African literature and her commitment to academic excellence, has been an inspiration to countless students and colleagues. Her career spans decades of teaching, writing, and advocating for the importance of literature in understanding and shaping society. Beyond her professional achievements, Professor Eko is cherished for her kind-hearted nature, her role as a very caring mother, and her dedication as a prayer warrior and a God-fearing woman. Her compassion and faith have touched the lives of many, providing support and guidance both personally and professionally. The celebration was filled with ...

Delta Road Crash Claims 13 Benue Community Members

                              Mrs. Paulina Linus and her cousin Juliana Ebih perished in the accident. A crushingly dark cloud fell on Utonkon district in Benue State. It  spreads its gripping wings to communities in Oke-Ira, Lagos State. An unfathomable and never-before-seen-or-heard tragedy has befallen them. A couple of days ago, 13 community members (six children and seven adults) had been killed in a ghastly road accident on an expressway in Delta State on the way to their community, Utonkon in Ado Local Government of Benue State. Their families are currently inconsolable. It was a collision between a bus belonging to the Benue-headquartered CDO Transport Company and an oncoming trailer. Only four persons survived with many of the survivors still in critical conditions at the St Mary Hospital and General Hospital in Issele-Uku in Delta State.  The bus had been crushed beyond recognition. Surprising...

The Art of Cultivating Meaningful Relationships: Keys to Building Strong Connections

In today's fast-paced world, where technology often dominates our interactions, the value of genuine, meaningful relationships cannot be overstated. Nurturing these connections requires intention, effort, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build and sustain them. Here are some essential keys to fostering strong and fulfilling relationships in your life: Prioritize Communication: Effective communication lies at the heart of every successful relationship. Whether it's expressing your emotions honestly, actively listening to your partner, or navigating conflicts with empathy and respect, clear and open communication is essential for building trust and understanding. Practice Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Cultivating empathy in your relationships involves actively listening to your partner's perspective, validating their experiences, and showing compassion and understanding, even in moments of disagreeme...