The practice of hiring domestic workers has been a cultural mainstay in our society for a long time. It is common in most middle to upper class households, where the workers aid in cooking, cleaning, and other household chores. However, questions have been raised about the ethics of this practice, with many pointing fingers at how the majority of the workers are treated miserably and paid measly salaries while essentially being on the clock 24/7.

At this point, it is common knowledge that domestic helpers, in many instances, are cruelly subject to constant abuse, both verbal and physical. There are no specific laws protecting the rights of domestic helpers, making them prime targets for exploitation. This glaring lack of protection for these vulnerable workers, most of whom are underage girls, means that all domestic helpers are potentially at risk of, or are currently subject to, exploitation.

Some people argue that this occupation allows economically disadvantaged people to have a stable source of income, live in the city with accommodation and food, and have a better standard of living. However, the absence of these basic necessities in their lives is exactly what is being used to take advantage of them. Their income is often minimal, that is if they do get an income at all, as many are told that the food and accommodation is enough compensation for their work.

Furthermore, this occupation has become familial in certain cases, where new generations of workers are funnelled into the field by parents who have not been able to better the lives of their children. How can this, in any way, be considered a way to improve living standards? 

Read more

Why have we normalised verbal abuse?

Others also argue that domestic helpers are necessary to aid the elderly or people with disabilities, who may face difficulties in doing chores by themselves. While it is true that the elderly and people with disabilities should have access to help, it may be better to employ specialised caregivers, or workers who are not bound to stay at the homes of their employers.

There are cultural prejudices surrounding the prevalence of this profession as well. Do we view cooking, cleaning, and other household chores as inferior to other work? These are largely unaddressed questions that we as a society need to ask ourselves in order to unlearn the ingrained prejudices.

All these things show how the issues of economically disadvantaged people cannot be fixed simply by paid domestic work, or any other profession for that matter. The key, instead, is to bring about systemic change. Implementing and enforcing specialised laws and regulations to protect these workers will go a long way to ensuring they receive fair remuneration, have set working hours, and aren't subject to violence. Changing cultural perceptions around domestic workers should also be of paramount importance, which includes giving them and their work the proper respect, and this goes hand in hand with treating them as employees rather than servants.

Rafid is busy dozing off every chance he gets. Wake him up by sending a notification at rafidkhandaker@gmail.com.