Gender and Justice: A Conversation on Domestic and the Common Good

For the Global Women's Rights Forum I attended the lecture informing of the issues pertaining to domestic workers in the United States, mainly California. The panel featured 4 women each with their own background and connection with the domestic issue. The lecture included the stories and issues that many workers experience such as being under compensated for their work, overworked with minimal breaks or sick leave, and abuse from employers. Many of the workers were persuaded to come into the country, with the promise of good jobs and equal opportunities. However, although they suffered abuse and mistreatment the workers were terrified to report the abuse because of the threat of losing jobs or deportation. 

The forum was very informative and provided further analysis to our own discussions in class. I remember one of the speakers saying how the line between domestic work and "love" becomes blurred because of employment being involved in the home. Many of the workers gain a strong connection with the families and especially the children. However, they should not be forced to compromise their rights and be treated in an unjust manner. I love that the speakers also gave us many ways that we can become a "voice" for the movement through simple things such as communicating with our own school president, raising awareness by informing others of the issues, and dedicating our time by offering assistance and showing up to events.