‘We are women who fight’: Domestic workers advocate for health and safety protections on the job

Sustainable Development Goals and Domestic Workers

Introduction

This article highlights the important role of domestic workers, particularly immigrant Latina women, in the United States. It emphasizes the need for improved rights and protections for these workers, as well as the advocacy efforts being made to achieve this. The article also discusses the personal experiences of Evelyn Saz, an organizer for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, and her journey from El Salvador to the United States. Throughout the article, there is a strong emphasis on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the importance of achieving justice and equality for domestic workers.

Background

According to recent data, at least one-third of domestic workers in the United States are immigrants, with many being undocumented. These workers play a crucial role in society by providing essential services such as house cleaning and childcare. However, they often face low wages, lack of protection from abuse or injury, and limited recourse for addressing workplace issues. The article highlights the need for improved health and safety protections for domestic workers, similar to those available to workers in other industries.

Evelyn Saz’s Story

Evelyn Saz, an immigrant from El Salvador, shares her experiences as a domestic worker and her journey to becoming an organizer for the National Domestic Workers Alliance. She grew up in a town affected by armed conflict and economic challenges in El Salvador. Saz’s parents instilled in her a sense of justice and activism. She became involved in youth groups and later participated in efforts to reintegrate ex-insurgents and armed forces members after the peace agreements in El Salvador. Saz also worked with organizations supporting women who survived domestic violence.

Challenges Faced by Domestic Workers

Saz discusses the challenges faced by domestic workers, including low wages, abuse, and lack of protections. She shares personal experiences of working with clients who had Alzheimer’s disease and dealing with difficult situations within their homes. Saz highlights the lack of training and support for domestic workers in handling such situations. She also mentions the issues she faced with agencies, including wage theft, lack of paid time off, and unpaid work.

The New Jersey Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

The article highlights the campaign for the New Jersey Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which aims to provide essential protections and rights for domestic workers. The campaign is supported by a coalition of over a hundred local organizations, including unions and religious groups. The bill seeks to address issues such as wage theft, discrimination, and lack of paid sick days. It also aims to raise awareness among legislators and officials about the importance of recognizing domestic workers’ contributions and ensuring their rights are protected.

Inspiration and Conclusion

Saz draws inspiration from workers, activists like Monsignor Romero, and her own family. She emphasizes the resilience and determination of domestic workers, particularly Latina women, in fighting for their rights and creating a better future. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of achieving justice and equality for domestic workers, highlighting their vital role in society and the need for collective action to bring about change.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses the issues faced by domestic workers, particularly Latina immigrants, who often experience poverty, gender inequality, and lack of decent work and economic growth opportunities. It also highlights the need for stronger institutions and justice to protect the rights of domestic workers.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• SDG 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage, and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
• SDG 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

These targets address the specific issues mentioned in the article, such as eradicating poverty, ending discrimination against women, achieving decent work and equal pay, reducing inequalities, and promoting justice and strong institutions for domestic workers.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line.
• Indicator 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce, and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.4.1: Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection transfers.
• Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing poverty levels, legal frameworks for gender equality, earnings differentials, labor share of GDP, and reporting of violence against domestic workers.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: 19thnews.org

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