S i g n i s I n d i a

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 5, 2010--Concern over the hardships faced by many domestic workers, has prompted several Church groups in Jakarta archdiocese to offer programs aimed at raising political awareness and improving working conditions.

The Communion of Domestic Workers (Paperta), which was established by the archdiocese in 2006, now has more than 200 members. “We hope more domestic workers will join this communion,” Paperta coordinator Maria Gorethi told UCA News on May 4.

Improving domestic workers’ rights is the main purpose of Paperta. We also take them on outings or pilgrimages, and organize them to stage rallies urging the government to draft legislation for their protection.

“Through these programs, we also give advice and support to domestic workers working for Catholic families as well as those working in parish Churches and monasteries,” the Catholic laywoman said.

She said a typical maid is often required to do many chores such as cooking, laundry work, cleaning the house, and taking care of children. They are often required to work 12 hours a day, she added.

“This is too much, and as a result, many maids do not have time to socialize,” Gorethi added, expressing hope that Catholic families will not treat their domestic workers like that.

Maria Yoanita from the Mitra Imago Dei (partnership of the image of God), an organization dealing with domestic worker issues, said her group organizes regular meetings to make them aware of their rights. It also offers maids cookery classes and how to do laundry properly.

Yoanita said her group, “represents a form of Church contribution and support to domestic workers.” She also expressed her gratitude to the Church for paying serious attention to domestic worker issues.

Roosvita Gunawan, a member of the archdiocese’s Catholic Women of the Republic of Indonesia (WKRI), told UCA News that her group worked together with Paperta and Mitra Imago Dei in organizing a special gathering for domestic workers on May 2 in Sawangan, West Java province.

More than 150 Catholic, Muslim and Protestant domestic workers working for Catholic families, monasteries and parishes attended the event.

“The gathering was aimed at lifting their spirits and to encourage them to have self-confidence. It was also an opportunity where they could share their experiences with one another,” said Gunawan, who chaired the program.

She said her group will organize a similar program next year. “Domestic workers at the recent program were very enthusiastic and asked me to hold similar programs regularly,” she noted. (UCAN)