Domestic workersform the backbone of most middle- and upper- class households in India. The nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 to cont...
Domestic workersform the backbone of most middle- and upper- class households in India. The nationwide lockdown imposed on March 25 to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has caused hardships to women on both sides of the divide. Women from well-to-do households suddenly find themselves overburdened with housework atop other commitments, while domestic workers are faced with an uncertain future.
Reports from Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore suggest that domestic workers are still being called to work despite the lockdown. While there are some reports of employers giving their domestic workers paid leave, other reports have come in of people firing or temporarily relieving their workers to save money. In some cases, domestic workers are not able to physically collect their salaries, and don’t have bank accounts or access to electronic payments.
Economic hardships
A survey we did recently of close to 400 domestic workers found that the women’s income was critical for their family, with 86% reporting that a loss in income would disrupt the functioning of their households. Further, 69% considered salary as the most important attribute of a good household. As many as 85% of the respondents reported a household income of less than Rs 20,000, with half of the respondents reporting...
