International Domestic Workers’ Day 2025: YUVA, MRGKSS To Host Domestic Workers’ Parliament In Navi Mumbai On June 17 To Demand National Law & Legal Rights
Navi Mumbai: To mark International Domestic Workers’ Day, Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA) and the Maharashtra Rajya Gharelu Kamgar Samanvay Samiti (MRGKSS) will host a Parliament of Domestic Workers on Tuesday, at Vishnudas Bhave Sabhagruha, Vashi.
The event aims to highlight the issues faced by domestic workers and strengthen the demand for comprehensive legislation to secure their rights.
The Parliament will bring together more than 1,000 participants, including domestic workers, labour department officials, legal professionals, journalists, and representatives from civil society.
This Parliament also marks the culmination of the statewide campaign titled “Our MP, A Committed MP,” which has been active since June 1 across 18 districts in Maharashtra. Organised with the support of 36 partner organisations, the campaign mobilised thousands of domestic workers to engage directly with their Members of Parliament. They submitted letters and postcards to the Prime Minister demanding a national law to protect domestic workers.
The campaign featured a variety of activities including awareness camps, street rallies, street plays, and meetings with employers—all aimed at drawing attention to the urgent need for legal and social protections for domestic workers in India.
The program will commence with a keynote address by retired High Court Judge Justice B.G. Kolse Patil, who will speak on “The Constitution and Legislative Provisions for Informal Workers.”
Following the keynote, the segment titled “Meri Kahani, Meri Zubani” will present testimonies of domestic workers who will share their personal stories, struggles, and achievements, offering insight into the realities of their work and lives.
A panel discussion will delve into critical aspects of domestic workers’ rights. One of the panel topics will focus on the significance of International Domestic Workers’ Day, explaining its historical context and why it matters in today’s labour rights movement.
Another segment will highlight the role of the Maharashtra Rajya Gharelu Kamgar Samanvay Samiti (MRGKSS) in advocating for domestic workers and engaging with the state on their behalf. Legal experts on the panel will discuss legal perspectives, important court judgments, and the future direction of legal reforms for domestic workers.
Journalists and media professionals will examine the potential and challenges of media coverage when it comes to reporting on domestic workers and their issues. The final topic will emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in grassroots labour movements, showcasing how women have led transformative change in the domestic workers’ rights space.
The panel discussion will conclude with closing remarks from the moderator, followed by solidarity messages from supporting individuals and organisations. The evening will also include cultural performances to celebrate the strength and unity of domestic workers.
International Domestic Workers’ Day, celebrated every year on June 16, commemorates the adoption of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189, which formally recognised domestic work as dignified labour deserving of rights, protections, and social security.
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