Tonight as part of the EI delegation we went to see a special showing of the Oscar winning Roma. As a film on my watch list I was glad to see it as part of the #CSW63 programme.
Yet nothing prepared me for the power of the message.
Unlike watching it at home on Netflix, we were in a beautiful auditorium at the Ford Centre for Social Justice which is an awe-inspiring space.
Our movie night started with an introduction by the President of the Ford Centre Darren Walker, the film was introduced to the audience via the voices of domestic workers.
To hear the panel discussion was powerful and insightful. Domestic workers around the world are the great unseen, they care for our loved ones, organise our homes and are a part of our households. However this section of the global workforce are the sector unlikely to be given basic workers rights as social protections, no maternity entitlements, paid leave, protective equipment, clear working hours or even a job description.
However the panel representing Asia, Africa and the Americas also demonstrated that with education, mobilisation and organisation the domestic workers sector can find and amplify their voices.
The film was brilliantly made and the story so well presented (no spoilers) however we agreed that to have the panel discussion first, helped to ground the fiction in real life. This was not just about an Oscar winning film, it was very much about the voice of domestic workers.
Some people would question why this is an issue for teachers or teacher trade unionists? because we are all part of the same workforce and where there is exploitation, that impacts on us all.
I recommend Roma as it gives visibility and voice to those whose job it is to be invisible, but we must see the person and protect their rights to a just and fair working environment and life balance.
No comments:
Post a Comment