Domestic worker incident exposes widespread exploitation

Migrant domestic workers continue to be amongst the most vulnerable workers in the world. In mid July, Zohra Bibi, a domestic worker, complained to her employers about her unpaid wages. In response, the employer-family held her captive within their gated community in Noida, New Delhi. When her husband went to find her the next day, he was barred from entering the complex. He then returned with other workers and Zohra was released. While this was only another example of the exploitation and violence that domestic workers endure, this case has now generated national coverage and discussion. What this furore has done is to have cracked open the deep-seated class and caste discrimination that lies at the heart of Indian society.

Migrant domestic workers continue to be amongst the most vulnerable workers in the world. In mid July, Zohra Bibi, a domestic worker, complained to her employers about her unpaid wages. In response, the employer-family held her captive within their gated community in Noida, New Delhi. When her husband went to find her the next day, he was barred from entering the complex. He then returned with other workers and Zohra was released. While this was only another example of the exploitation and violence that domestic workers endure, this case has now generated national coverage and discussion. What this furore has done is to have cracked open the deep-seated class and caste discrimination that lies at the heart of Indian society.