What is cooking with the domestic workers - India, 2022

Last name and first name: Pranali Rane
Age : 45 years old
Nationality: Indian
Location: Mumbai
Profession: domestic worker
Marital status: widow

"I joined NDWM in 2013 when I migrated to Mumbai after my husband’s death. The organisation supported me to get my rented house and enrolled my child in school. They helped me to get new domestic work to sustain my life. 

During the pandemic in 2020, I lost all of my domestic work, and it was very challenging for my survival. The NDWM supported us by providing grains and other necessary materials.  But I wanted to start some alternative income generating activity as they had taught us to become independent and stand on our feet. We got many trainings on accounting, budgeting, marketing, food making,… from the cooperative of the NDWM.  After the trainings, with the support of the NDWM, we initiated Abhiruchi Food and Products, a small-scale shop with other domestic workers, and started our new journey towards economical sustainability. 

Today, I am in charge of the kitchen of Abhiruchi Food and Products. Every morning I open my kitchen at 6 AM and I work with my friends until 10 AM. We equally support each other to complete our daily tasks and duties. Then we continue our daily domestic work as our main source of income. Today we feel more empowered because by this collective initiative. Still today NDWM gives us training on different skills, like personality development, communication, marketing, understanding product manufacturing and sale, food processing. Today I am leader of my community of domestic workers and the children’s group."

Some results by intervention strategy...

Labour rights: 

692.631 people, of which 62% women and 35% younger than 35 years, were reached through actions focussing on ensuring existing labour rights or developing new labour standards: 271.457 workers (59% women and 44% youth) were made more aware of their labour rights through campaigning and outreach. The partner organizations have organized 64.975 workers, of which 97% women and 30% youth. 31.792 people, of which 94% women and 34% youth received basic training, while 3.088 workers and union leaders (90% women and 43% youth) received advanced training. 52.211 workers, of which 95% women and 24% youth, benefitted from some kind of support or advice from the partner organization. More than 266.000 people (46% women and 39% youth) were mobilized at grassroots level (ex. demonstrations, petitions…) for advocacy actions, while the partner organizations reached out to some 2.869 people and policy makers during their actions towards parliament and the government.

Social security: 

146.895 people, of which 74% women and 28% younger than 35 years, were reached through actions focussing on giving access to better social security. 92.228 people were reached through awareness raising activities (60% women and 25% men), while 19.124 received basic training (97% women and 24% youth) and 146 people received advanced training (45% women and 16% youth). The partner organizations gave legal assistance and support to some 35.000 workers (99% women and 36% youth) and reached out to 188 policy makers.

Healthcare:

Overall, almost 9.000 people were reached out to during actions to improve awareness on health practices and how to use native medical practices and medicines.