Part 1: Getting a job

So it is always a very simple thing in theory when one says “I am looking for employment” but just how simple is this process for the domestic worker?

There are so many factors which are in play from the time one sets the objective to get a job and the time you eventually secure one. Even though there is no standard formula to go about the whole process there are some critical aspects which may be of use to take note of in your job hunting, particularly as a domestic worker.

One might ask why specific focus on domestic workers. Well, firstly because our core business revolves around domestic workers. Secondly, because of the non-formal or in other cases, semi-formal nature of the domestic work industry, quite a number of issues should be brought to attention.

As Domestic workers, vulnerability to exploitation, abuse and mistreatment by employers within the sector is very high. This is so because, of the various legal and/or constitutional provisions which are meant to safeguard and cushion domestic workers from such unfortunate happenings, very few are actually effectively functional to the level of actually addressing the concerns for which they were designed. For example, domestic workers have a right to a written contract which should state clearly detailing conditions of work, duties, and wages working hours among other contract related issues.

Despite the existence of such a requirement, the majority of domestic workers are currently working without any written contract which states anything at all regarding their work. The consequence of such for job seekers, we have heard one too many stories of women/domestic workers who got stranded after they were called to come in for work under floating arrangements or agreements only to find the employer turning sides or changing their mind. Worst case scenario being to find another person already there working the same job upon arrival.

More so, because employers have nothing holding them to account for any such actions, they continue doing so time and again at the peril of job seekers. This is just one instance out of so many possible scenarios.

The bigger challenge being that there is no documentation or follow up of such cases therefore the magnitude to which domestic industry job seekers are suffering is hardly taken seriously.

This being the  case, the responsibility falls on the individual first to take measures to reduce chances of falling prey to such a fate. Here are a few things you can do.

1. Make sure you have a firm job offer – preferably in writing and

Detailed indications of your conditions of work (duties, wages, hours,

etc.)

• Verify before committing – If possible, meet or call your potential employer and discuss all the details of your conditions of work; DO NOT BE AFRAID OF ASKING QUESTIONS.
• Follow the formal path – Ask for a written contract and only sign when you are happy with all the conditions
• Take care of the important – If your job requires that you travel away from your home, make certified copies of all your documents and leave them in a safe place at home. Take copies of your official documents (ID, work certificates, birth certificate, diplomas, etc.)

Your communication strategy – take useful telephone numbers with you if you need to travel far to take your job. Also have a mobile phone in case you need to contact someone

• Inform someone – give details to a person you trust of your place of employment and the particulars of your employer.
• Have a plan B – this should be someone to assist whom you can trust if things do not work out as planned? Or an exit strategy if you happen to get in a tight spot.

One other efficient strategy which combines all of the above while giving you a guarantee by doing half the work for you is to join Domestic Workers Association. We are a meticulous team, registered organization with a good reputation, committed to making sure in every way possible that the unfortunate does not befall you.Register with us, become a member and get access to all of our services conveniently.

We have always spoken and brought attention to the neglect of domestic workers and the need to have their work and personal lives improved for the better by relevant interventions which address their most pressing hurdles.

Employers, have you ever wished someone would just help your helper to become that excellent professional as you yourself may be? Maybe you are that kind of boss who doesn’t want to be too harsh on your helper, you appreciate their work and presence so much that you want to keep them but you still have a few things you wish they could improve? Maybe you are still looking for a helper and you don’t really know where to start. Perhaps you are hesitating employing one because of those awful stories you heard or read about maids in the papers or on social media. If only there was a way to get assurance when it comes to employing domestic helpers, `aunty`  as we call them, well guess what, now there is!

Once a dream but not anymore! Not too far from becoming a reality is the DWC, an innovative, first-of-its-kind institution in Zimbabwe dedicated to domestic work and workers. Here, domestic helpers will be trained professionally to a standard never thought possible before.

Aunties from all walks of life will be accommodated and trained here to make sure when you hire or employ them, they deliver with that professional touch you have gotten so very used to in this modern era.

Of course you are asking, what’s so special about the DWC, well here are a few reasons why

• Professionalism- Our trainings are not just random, they will be based on an organized, accredited curriculum, approved by the Ministry Of Education currently in the final stages of completion for the accreditation and adoption into the curriculum system.
• Excellence driven- We offer on the job training as DWC setup is designed to meet the standard of a typical modern day home environment. The gadgets, the chores, the processes will all be done practically and hand on during learning and training thus taking the burden of having to teach them from scratch away from you, the employer.
• Convenience- DWC is a one stop Center for all things domestic. You get the maid or gardener you want and the supplies you need for them to carry out their work as you want.
• We are accommodating – you may not want or have time to send your worker to us, but we are prepared and ready to come to you. We can also conduct on the job training with your worker right there at home.
• Last but not least, we are the best, the only team innovative and inspired enough to build this vision which services what were once wishes into a delivering reality, we can do it, for you, with you and for the domestic workers

This is no pipeline dream but rather a fast unfolding reality. We have membership beyond a thousand domestic workers in Zimbabwe interacting virtually via different social media platforms. We also have members in Botswana and South Africa

Trainings are already on-going on whatsApp in respect to the lockdown restrictions

We are not working alone, we are partnered with Chris&Geo Executive Domestic Placements, and referral for Placements is a plus for our members who train with us.

Wondering how you or your domestic worker can be part of this life changing initiative or benefit from our services? Very easy, Get in touch with us

To register and join our membership send `ADD ME` to 0715662953

To register your domestic worker send ` ADD MY HELPER` to 0715662953

To find a helper/placement, part time or full time CONTACT 0773 000 507 

You can also like and follow us

Website: info@dwaz.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DWAZimTwitter: https://twitter.com/DWAZimbabwe

“she slapped me saying I had not bathed the baby thoroughly, yet I have been working for the past eight months bathing the baby everyday” So began aunty Precious as she pitifully narrates her ordeal at the hands of her employer, wondering what she had done wrong today with a task she has done hundreds of times before. A very familiar kind of report for us from domestic workers` experiences, something most people know very little about.

The only crime committed by these migrant domestic workers is the will to seek greener pastures beyond the borders, trying escaping the harsh and unforgiving vicious cycle of poverty which persistently torments them and their families back home hoping to etch a better livelihood.

As she narrated her story it sank a sharp sensation into the heart as one wonders why would anyone have the courage to violate and disrespect a fellow human being in such a manner. Are there no other ways to amicably solve such a trivial issue as `failing` to bath an infant? How does one continue working in such an environment where they are uncertain when, in what form or for what other reason will the next attack land on them, and the next, and the other one after that. Will it ever stop, will it end?

We have always brought to attention the private nature of domestic work and their work spaces and the consequences this privacy brings about. Because the private household is a no-go-area, domestic workers are suffering unspoken ordeals in silence, their pain and suffering concealed by brick walls and security fences. It is like they exist in their own world where their masters answer to no one but themselves.

For the migrant worker, options are very limited as they have nowhere and no one to turn to. They endure because the thought and burden of responsibility they carry as mothers, fathers, guardians, breadwinners, outweighs their dignity and welfare. For domestic workers, their patience and need to preserve their source of income is perhaps their greatest vulnerability.

The law and biblical principle emphasize on us to treat the next the person the very same way we expect and want to be treated. Employers need to heed to this word and treat domestic workers with dignity and respect. Thumbs up to employers who are doing the best they can with and for their domestic workers, we have had some very good reports from some domestic workers who appreciate their employers and how they treat them. However such ‘good report’ cases are outnumbered and we really need our employers to continue doing better.

To our governments and leaders, out there awaits a people who require you to turn your heads and pay attention. Of course the immediate response might be that there are provisions enshrined in our constitutions for the domestic worker, but the question remains, how effective has implementation and execution of such been? If it holds true, then one cannot help but wonder why we have so many cases of abuse, exploitation, violation and injustices being reported within the domestic work sector.

Can we really pen down women and girls empowerment based on the fact that our governments have adopted an active quota system which sets aside high profile positions for a small percentage of women when a quarter of the total women population remains marginalized, that we have women promoted to Chief Executive posts when the woman taking care of the Chief Executives` family at home can barely support herself and her family despite working for a fellow woman, a high profile individual making part of the statistics buttressing the talk of achievement of `empowerment`?

We can and need to do better together. Our domestic workers, both local and beyond our borders need our support and attention. Their welfare is as important as that of the health practitioner, or the teacher, the doctor, the pilot. The same painful, degrading and embarrassed feeling a Minister would experience if slapped is the same felt by a domestic worker, whether they are in their own country or in another.

The same way the government spokesperson comes out on national television to speak and denounce any shameful act against a foreign national whose case finds its way to the media is the very same magnitude of attention and swiftness with which domestic workers issues should be accorded as they come to light.

To neglect the domestic worker is to leave defeat the essence and purpose of sustainable and inclusive development.

(Names have been changed to protect identities)

#dobetter

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an almost complete shift of everyday life as we know it, with most effects in the negative. Domestic workers have not been spared in the wake of this devastating threat to daily life, work and survival in general. So much emphasis has been put on the need to stay safe for those providing essential services which domestic workers are a part of. As they continue working, all recommended and necessary precautionary and safety measures have to be implemented without compromise.

It is also during such times as these that the subtle disregard of basic human and domestic workers rights ha perhaps become very clear and evident. Historically, changes effected over time have been preceded by such uncertain times and happenings as those that are evident in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also very critical to note that in as much as applauded positive changes may eventually be achieved there are unsung heroes who often pay a price, sometimes with their lives. Yes, history has a tendency of repeating itself in such a manner, but we want to clamp the wings of such historical repetitions in our era because we are an informed generation.

With this in mind, unfair and insensitive treatment of domestic workers during this pandemic is one that needs to be brought to attention, firstly for employers as they are the ones directly dealing with these hard working and committed professionals. Thumbs up to those employers who treat and work well with their helpers, such professionalism and good work conduct goes a long way in strengthening the position of domestic workers as professionals deserving due recognition and respect. It is however sad to note that there are some employers who are still subjecting domestic workers to unacceptable and almost inhumane treatment. Such cases come in different forms but the bottom line remains that we really need to denounce and put to light such unprofessional behaviour which put the lives and health of domestic workers at great risk in such a time as this.

As Domestic Workers Association, we were deeply disturbed by a report we received of a domestic worker whose employer did not inform them that there was a COVID positive person living within the household they were working. Matters worsened by the fact that the worker in question also works part-time for three other families. This means all these households, including the helper`s own family were put at risk without even knowing it because of one person`s deliberate decision to not disclose such critical information to their helper in respect of her rights, if not for the sake of logic or Ubuntu.

This is just but one out of countless cases, most of them unspoken, of mistreatment and violation of the rights, dignity and exposure to health threats of domestic workers by employers. So many other gross violations take place in the private workspace of domestic workers that is home for employers. More often than not the unjust violations committed within the ‘walls of home’ never see the light of justice.

More so, it is also apparent that employers hardly provide the necessary health and safety measures encouraged like provision of sanitizers, masks and gloves to reduce the risk of domestic helpers contracting COVID-19 during the execution of their duties. This state of affairs increases the vulnerability of domestic workers, dealing a direct blow on efforts to reduce the spread and spike in new cases.

We want to put a calling upon all relevant stakeholders carrying a mandate or sharing an interest and desire to see domestic workers and domestic work sector accorded due recognition and respect. Ministries with a part to play in ensuring that health and safety concerns of all persons in general and workers in particular are attended to and ensured. This requires a collective, consistent and swift action and active effort of all sharing common interest in working with and assisting domestic workers. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe Republic Police force, Ministry of Labour, Unions, Media, Church based as well as non-governmental organizations, let us all speak with one voice, loudly and clearly against such unacceptable conduct. Domestic workers are also people and they deserve the same standards of work and fair treatment just as any other worker in any other sector does. To neglect domestic workers is to fail to uphold the principle of promotion and protection of basic human and workers` rights. It is a gross injustice to turn a blind eye to the countless violations which domestic workers are subjected to everyday. In this COVID pandemic, we ought to join forces, report and act on violators of principles of basic human rights, safety and health in the work place especially for domestic workers.  There is need to come together and speak out. Efforts towards mitigating the spread of COVID-19 are going to be continuously futile as long as domestic workers are side-lined and exposed.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about an almost complete shift of everyday life as we know it, with most effects in the negative. Domestic workers have not been spared in the wake of this devastating threat to daily life, work and survival in general. So much emphasis has been put on the need to stay safe for those providing essential services which domestic workers are a part of. As they continue working, all recommended and necessary precautionary and safety measures have to be implemented without compromise.It is also during such times as these that the subtle disregard of basic human and domestic workers rights has perhaps become very clear and evident. Historically, changes effected over time have been preceded by such uncertain times and happenings as those that are evident in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it is also very critical to note that in as much as applauded positive changes may eventually be achieved there are unsung heroes who often pay a price, sometimes

with their lives. Yes, history has a tendency of repeating itself in such a manner, but we want to clamp the wings of such historical repetitions in our era because we are an informed generation.

With this in mind, unfair and insensitive treatment of domestic workers during this pandemic is one that needs to be brought to attention, firstly for employers as they are the ones directly dealing with these hard working and committed professionals. Thumbs up to those employers who treat and work well with their helpers, such professionalism and good work conduct goes a long way in strengthening the position of domestic workers as professionals deserving due recognition and respect. It is however sad to note that there are some employers who are still subjecting domestic workers to unacceptable and almost inhumane treatment. Such cases come in different forms but the bottom line remains that we really need to denounce and put to light such unprofessional behaviour which put the lives and health of domestic workers at great risk in such a time as this.

As Domestic Workers Association, we were deeply disturbed by a report we received of a domestic worker whose employer did not inform them that there was a COVID positive person living within the household they were working. Matters worsened by the fact that the worker in question also works part-time for three other families. This means all these households, including the helper`s own family were put at risk without even knowing it because of one person`s deliberate decision to not disclose such critical information to their helper in respect of her rights, if not for the sake of logic or Ubuntu.

This is just but one out of countless cases, most of them unspoken, of mistreatment and violation of the rights, dignity and exposure to health threats of domestic workers by employers. So many other gross violations take place in the private workspace of domestic workers that is home for employers. More often than not the unjust violations committed within the ‘walls of home’ never see the light of justice.

More so, it is also apparent that employers hardly provide the necessary health and safety measures encouraged like provision of sanitizers, masks and gloves to reduce the risk of domestic helpers contracting COVID-19 during the execution of their duties. This state of affairs increases the vulnerability of domestic workers, dealing a direct blow on efforts to reduce the spread and spike in new cases.

We want to put a calling upon all relevant stakeholders carrying a mandate or sharing an interest and desire to see domestic workers and domestic work sector accorded due recognition and respect. Ministries with a part to play in ensuring that health and safety concerns of all persons in general and workers in particular are attended to and ensured. This requires a collective, consistent and swift action and active effort of all sharing common interest in working with and assisting domestic workers. The Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe Republic Police force, Ministry of Labour, Unions, Media, Church based as well as non-governmental organizations, let us all speak with one voice, loudly and clearly against such unacceptable conduct. Domestic workers are also people and they deserve the same standards of work and fair treatment just as any other worker in any other sector does.

To neglect domestic workers is to fail to uphold the principle of promotion and protection of basic human and workers` rights. It is a gross injustice to turn a blind eye to the countless violations which domestic workers are subjected to every day. In this COVID pandemic, we ought to join forces, report and act on violators of principles of basic human rights, safety and health in the workplace, especially for domestic workers.  There is a need to come together and speak out. Efforts towards mitigating the spread of COVID-19 are going to be continuously futile as long as domestic workers are side-lined and exposed.

Its always a pleasure to get down to some writing and some reading. We love to hear from others in as such as we love sharing.

“Dear Chris and Geo” is where we get to do all the sharing. We love anything and everything to do with the home and this will be our opportunity to also help a little bit.

Sit back ,relax and enjoy.

Yours Truly

Chris and Geo