Pioneer of Adivasi domestic workers in Delhi dies

By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, September 16, 2020: One of the pioneers of Adivasi domestic workers and anti-human trafficking movement in Delhi, died on September 15.

Sarita Baa was sick for some time, said Alma Grace Barla, a human rights activist, who had worked with her.

Baa tirelessly worked for Adivasi domestic workers’ rights, rescue and rehabilitation of victims and survivors and policy advocacy, Barla added.

Some 30 years ago as a young girl, Baa had migrated to Delhi to work as domestic help. Seeing atrocities and different kinds of issues faced by the Adivasi migrants (men and women) in Delhi, she organized them.

She and her few friends with Jesuit-run Indian Social Institute (ISI), New Delhi, started door to door surveys on Adivasi migrants, carried awareness and education programmes and later did policy advocacy with the government.

She worked closely with Society for Tribal Development, Adivasi Vikas Sanstha-Delhi and Adivasi Domestic Workers Movement in Delhi.

She was also networked with other civil society organizations and International Labour Organization.

“She also challenged the traffickers and agents face to face, worked closely with the Delhi police,” Barla said.

Being a school dropout, Baa empowered herself through higher education (Bachelors of Arts) from the Indira Gandhi National Open University and set an example for all dropout Adivasi girls who go to the city for work. Baa encouraged Adivasi migrants for higher studies while working.

She promoted many domestic workers like nurses and teachers and chefs in restaurants.

She ensured their fair wages, good living, and working conditions. She has saved and helped innumerable people/victims of trafficking and exploitation.

“I had an opportunity to work with her for some time. She had opened up the door for me to the world of activism and social work including my UN fellowship. While I had promised her to document their stories of bravery and activism in Delhi she is gone so soon,” said Barla, a tribal researcher and writer.

“She will be missed by all of us associated with Adivasi Vikas Sanstha-Delhi and Adivasi Domestic Workers Movement in Delhi. Rest in peace didi,” said Barla.