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Cividep India is a labour rights organisation which works to empower workers and communities. Much of its work is to ensure that businesses comply with human and labour rights standards.
We seek to engage with media professionals in a one day workshop to see how the media can contribute to the improvement of childcare in garment factories.
The policy framework in India with respect to maternity and childcare rights of workers is progressive. The Factories Act, 1948 mandates that every factory with more than 50 female employees must provide for space, facilities, and expertise for a childcare centre within the factory premises. More recently, the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 provides for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave to expectant mothers and also makes crèches a compulsory facility to be provided by all employers.
However, implementation lags far behind policy. Studies have shown that many factories do not have the necessary childcare facilities, despite employing a large number of women workers. Many women quit their jobs to take care of their children. This leads to women missing out on benefits and other entitlements.
Guided by experienced media persons and activists with a track record of using media for social causes, the workshop will involve the participants in a creative process. Facilitators and participants would jointly explore what media channels and diverse content can raise the awareness of stake holders on how quality childcare in factories is significant for workers and the industry.
Those involved with the media including journalism students are invited to participate.
