As the International Labour Organisation’s Convention 177 marks its 30th anniversary, home-based workers in India are pushing for recognition and equal rights. Despite the convention’s aim to elevate the status of home-based workers to that of traditional wage earners, only 13 countries have ratified it, with none from South Asia. This lack of recognition perpetuates structural inequalities, particularly affecting women who make up a significant portion of this workforce.
Shehnaz Bano, a home-based worker in New Delhi, exemplifies the struggles faced by many. Earning just 100 rupees for hours of work, she highlights the disparity between her pay and that of factory workers performing similar tasks. The undervaluation of home-based work, often viewed as an extension of household duties, contributes to the invisibility of these workers in policy discussions.
Labour rights activists argue that the challenges of identifying and regulating home-based work, compounded by gender inequalities, hinder progress in improving conditions. The ILO emphasizes the need for visibility, fair pay, and social protections for these workers, particularly women, who face unsafe working conditions and lack access to essential services.
As the global economy increasingly relies on informal labour, the call for change is urgent. The ongoing struggle for rights among home-based workers not only reflects broader societal issues but also highlights the need for systemic reforms to ensure fair treatment and recognition in the workforce.
Source: Al Jazeera
