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USA: Meetings of domestic workers' leaders from Kenya and Jamaica with the NDWA

USA: Meetings of domestic workers' leaders from Kenya and Jamaica with the NDWA

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by IDWFED published Nov 14, 2017 12:00 AM
A mission report written by Ruth Khakame, a domestic worker's leader from KUDHEIHA .
When
Nov 12, 2017 to Nov 14, 2017 (Universal / UTC0)
Where
USA
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The mission was supported by the INTERNATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS FEDERATION and NATIONAL DOMESTIC WORKERS ALLIANCE (USA), the event set were:

    1. Attending the National Domestic Workers Alliance Board Meeting on 12th and 13th November 2017.
    2. Attending NDWA 10 year Anniversary Gala on 14th November 2017 in New York.
    3. Attending Solidarity Center 20th Anniversary Gala in Washington DC.

2017-11-12~13 USA: NDWA Board Meeting

BACKGROUND


The two days meeting started on a good note with participants including the NDWA Board members and representatives of the IDWF in present Ruth Khakame, domestic workers leader - KUDHEIHA and Shirley Pryce. The team also deliberated on agreements and types of participations for the meeting notably the interests of wanting to learn about, giving inputs and generating criteria for making decisions for that meeting.

Also one participant by the name Patricia Sauls was voted in to be a member of the NDWA board and she will be representing the Ally group of workers. We also went through NDWA year 2017 report and 2018 plans and opportunities. The following were considered as inputs for 2018 planning and implementation of programs.

Important Contribution made during discussion were:

  • As organizers of domestic workers, we need to have a powerful voice for the sector. We should create space, power, and safety for domestic workers.
  • There is need to ignite Activism and positive energy in awareness creation for domestic workers.
  • Diverse organizing of domestic workers is vital for collective power and visibility especially by embracing uses of technology, for example use of media and toll free line.
  • Comparing and borrowing practices from Kenya, it would be important to incorporate employers as key people in organizing and reaching out to potential domestic workers members. And on the same incorporate also male caregivers beyond NDWA scope to organize.
  • Bringing on board senate for lobbying to pass Bills and friendly ambassadors for domestic workers and minority groups.
  • There is need to create and organize more associations for domestic workers.

Later on, NDWA Executive Director scheduled for an interview for IDWF where I was a part of it, and it was with Mr. Douglas Moore who is the executive Director of a Homecare Provider Union called UNITED DOMESTIC WORKERS based in San Diego.  Mr. Moore was really interested in wanting to know what IDWF does, of which we shared on IDWF Role, affiliations, and membership.

He inquired on how to join IDWF and we guided him and exchanged contacts – Tel (619) 263 7254(800 621 5016)  for follow up. United Domestic Workers organizes public employees working in individual homes and they are 73,000 members and it’s geared towards transforming domestic workers industry. We had a discussion briefly and experience sharing on the state, challenges and plight of domestic workers organizing in Kenya, and also the activities and programs of IDWF as well as IDWF struggle for inclusion of DW definition in ILO Conventions.

In Washington DC I had an interview with Elly Kugler an organizer with NDWA at Chicago, she wanted to know the needs of domestic workers in Kenya and how we are addressing the issue. We had a long discussion and exchanged contacts for more sharing.

GALA NIGHTS

National Domestic Workers Alliance held its 10th anniversary gala night on 14th November 2017; the event was successful with a massive turn out. There were key domestic workers advocates formerly domestic workers who have been at the forefront in Campaigning, Promoting and Protecting domestic workers interests and on that very night they were served with Honorees for their effort.

Solidarity Center also celebrated its 20th anniversary at Washington DC and the event brought together Worker Organizations, Sponsors and Partner organizations. They also awarded three workers who have been leading in struggle to liberate Columbian workers from exploitation.

WAYFORWARD

  • IDWF to conduct follow up with united domestic workers for enrolment
  • Exchange program is vital for information sharing and networking.
  • More continuous visibility for domestic workers at IDWF is important. 

Prepared by:

RUTH  KHAKAME
Domestic Worker leader
Chairperson – National Domestic Workers Council
KENYA UNION OF DOMESTIC, HOTELS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND HOSPITAL WORKERS


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