NEW DELHI, March, 24, 2026: The National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), marking its 40th year, has called the milestone a testament to its sustained rights-based advocacy, empowering millions of workers while advancing dignity, social protection and recognition for one of India’s most marginalised labour groups.

The movement said the anniversary reflects a long journey of organising domestic workers to claim their rights rather than depend on welfare alone, shaping a nationwide push for justice and equality.

Choosing a rights-based path

In its 2025 annual report, the movement reflects on its founding vision and the choices that shaped its trajectory over four decades.

“During 2025, NDWM reached the significant milestone of completing 40 years of its operations,” the report states. “Looking back, NDWM could have chosen the path of charitable welfare measures for domestic workers, but we chose the rights-based approach and that has paid dividends.”

The report underscores that while welfare initiatives remain important, they must be rooted in a broader framework of rights. “Not that welfare measures are unimportant, but need to be sought in the context of rights, not handouts,” it adds.

The National Domestic Workers’ Movement, registered in 1985 as the National Domestic Workers’ Welfare Trust under the Bombay Public Trust Act, 1950, has championed the rights of domestic workers — many of them women in informal and unregulated employment — by consistently focusing on building collective strength and awareness of legal entitlements.

Its mission emphasises empowerment: “We empower domestic workers to fight against all forms of injustice and discrimination,” the report says.

Expanding impact nationwide

Over the years, the movement has expanded its work across multiple fronts, including training, capacity building, and advocacy for social security benefits.

The report highlights programmes such as “Training and Capacity Building,” “Income Generation Programs,” and “Securing Social Security Benefits,” reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving workers’ lives.

NDWM’s vision is equally broad, aiming “to create a just society where domestic workers are treated with dignity and justice, their rights are upheld, they are recognized for the contribution they make towards the economy and development.”

The organisation also stresses the importance of amplifying workers’ voices. It envisions a society where “their voices [are] heard and recognized,” particularly in policy and public discourse.

Alongside economic empowerment, the movement has addressed issues such as safe migration, child labour, and crisis interventions, recognising the complex vulnerabilities faced by domestic workers.

Its efforts include “Promoting Safe Migration,” “Safeguarding Rights of Children,” and running “Children Parliament Programs,” demonstrating a focus on both workers and their families.

Advocacy and future direction

The report notes that advocacy remains central to the movement’s work, particularly in engaging with government institutions and the legal system.

It points to a recent development: “On January 29, 2025, the Supreme Court in one of its judgements, called for the creation of an expert committee,” signalling growing institutional attention to domestic workers’ rights.

NDWM has also prioritised networking and media engagement to strengthen its reach and influence, as reflected in sections such as “NDWM in The Media” and “Lobbying and Advocacy.”

Looking ahead, the movement outlines “Pathways for 2026,” indicating a continued focus on expanding programmes and deepening impact.

Despite progress, the report acknowledges that significant challenges remain, including lack of formal recognition, inadequate legal protections, and persistent social stigma.

Still, the 40-year milestone serves as both a moment of reflection and a call to action.

By choosing a rights-based approach early in its journey, the movement says it has laid a foundation for lasting change—one that continues to guide its mission to secure dignity, justice and equality for domestic workers across India.

Read the full report.