It is a universally observed that in a society which is characterised by gender segregation and social stratification, certain sections unfortunately occupy a subordinate position. Indian constitution guarantees democracy and confers the right of equality to all strata. But the reality is that this guarantee and right of equality have not reached many lower sections of society. It is those people who struggle, are impoverished, alienated and concerned with basics for survival. The case of the domestic workers is an evidence to the fact that despite the guaranteed constitutional rights their struggle for equality and survival continues.

It is disheartening to note that domestic workers as a part of unorganised work force remain the most exploited ones even after five decades of independence. There are many evidences to indicate that over a period of time domestic work has become more “feminised”. Occupational segregation based on gender has been a global phenomenon . That is the reason why in the past few years gender based segregation has been a most commonly shared concern among researchers and social activists. As far as Indian scenario is concerned, we find through the statistics that women workers constitute only one third of the total workforce in India. The census of 1991 shows that number of women workers in India is 91 million out of a total workforce of about 315 million. Majority of these women are engaged in the unorganised sectors such as agriculture, cotton and tea plucking, pottery, handloom, construction and domestic services.To substantiate the fact , Pareira’s (1984) study reveals that 78% of domestic helpers in 12 cities were female. In another study by Dighe and Choudhury (1988) it was found that there was as increase of 21.3% in the number of female workers in the Union Territory of Delhi from 1971 to 1981. These women who are occupied in domestic work sector belong to the lowest stratum of society and are often considered as cheapest labour.

In the recent past the trend shows that all big cities of country have become the centres to recruit poor women as domestic workers, Delhi being no exception. The non-availability of job in rural or tribal areas facilitate continuous supply of women workers to Delhi and other cities. A major reason for this being a sharp increase of middle class women in employment. These middle class employed women have shifted their household workload to the poor working women as their “maids”. In some cases it is seen that the middle and upper classes in order to keep their upward mobility and status symbol have withdrawn themselves from household duties.

The increasing demand of domestic workers in Delhi has played a major role in migration of women from far flung rural or tribal areas. Most of the women who migrate to Delhi are from poor families and are illiterate. Their lack of education and skill make their choice very limited and when they come to big cities such as Delhi they have to face number of problems and because of their inexperience and lack of skill they become easy victim of exploitation. The existing problems of domestic workers have been studied by many researchers, social activists and voluntary organizations at different levels. But they have not succeeded in providing a feasible solution to the problem. Perhaps lack of a common perspective in this area is a main cause for it. Since the problems of women domestic workers are multifaceted, it should be studied holistically covering economic, legal, social, physical and psychological aspects. For this, it is immensely needed to have an integrated approach to understand the issue and it is also important to develop a collective programme to improve their social status and working condition. Prayas J.A.C. is focusing attention on various issues that are of considerable significance in understanding the problems of domestic workers in Delhi such as : provision of registration and proper training, Inclusion of the minimum wages, collaboration and networking, collective bargaining and placement service.

1. The organisation of domestic workers among themselves is very important.  A systematic mobilisation is needed to help them in making their own associations and unions so that they can share some solidarity and build their own leadership.
2. There is a need to create public opinion on behalf of domestic workers to grant them the status of workers and dignified working conditions.  A proper mutual dialogue may be useful in developing a suitable legislative mechanism.
3. The problems of women domestic workers have still not received adequate attention by researchers, members of voluntary organisations and other social activists as yet.  A collaboration frequent interaction and wider networking with the people and organisations working on the similar issue is required to intensity the movement of improving the overall condition of domestic workers

There is also an urgent need to sensitise the wider society regarding their attitude towards ‘Servant-Master’ relationship and change it into a respectable ‘Employee – Employer’ relationship. Therefore it is extremely important to create an environment where the domestic workers may enjoy their rights, duties and interests like other segments of the society