Some domestic workers in the West Region recently ended a two-day seminar aimed at familiarizing them with their rights as provided by the Cameroon Labour Code.
The seminar that held from October 20 to 21 in Bafoussam was organised by Horizons Femmes, a Non-Governmental Organisation. It was attended by participants from both the public and private sectors from the 8 divisions in the region.
Presiding at the opening and closing ceremonies, the West Regional Delegate for Labour and Social Security, Mrs Ngono Scholastique, said discrimination, low wages and non-respect of the Labour Code by most employers of domestic workers seriously affects the welfare of such domestic workers who at times work round the clock. She thanked the organisers for their initiative to tackle such social inequality. Mrs Scholastique added that ignorance of the Labour Code by this class of workers has gone a long way in underminding their economic upliftment.
Earlier, Mrs Eyamo Nicoletta, West Regional Coordinator of Horizons Femmes, said her organisation seeks to promote socio-economic and human development for overall integration and also promote liberal democracy in Cameroon through the support of their main financial partner, the European Union. She said most of Horizons Femmes resources and time are devoted to the education of the public, mostly women, people with disabilities and the vulnerable on their civic, legal and fundamental rights.
Mrs Eyamo described the training as impressive, given that since the creation of Horizon Femmes, they have promoted a series of policies aimed at fostering economic growth and social development with achievable goals in abandoned or neglected sectors of the society. She said domestic workers have a very important role in society that is often minimized or neglected, adding that the workshop will enable participants know their rights and agree terms of work with their employers to avoid all forms of cheating and discrimination. The workshop was facilitated by Mr Jean Paul Dargal, Association Horizons Femmes’ head of training.
