Meeting Brick Kiln Workers in Agra

"Sexual harassment is a reality we witness everyday"--male brick kiln worker in Agra




In Pinhat block, Wah Tehsil, Agra, male brick kiln workers from 6 brick kilns came together on 09 November 2016 to talk about their lived experiences on the issue of safety and security for female workers in the kilns. Sexual harassment is the main reason local men do not bring their wives to work. However, the migrant families do not have that option. The female migrant worker is therefore more vulnerable to sexual harassment.




Earlier in the day, visits were made to several brick kilns along with union leaders and workers. Meetings were also held with the District Magistrate, Agra and Sub Divisional Magistrate, Fatehabad to discuss ways to ensure the effective implementation of the sexual harassment law, especially for the female worker engaged in unorganised forms of labour. Martha Farrell Foundation and PRIA will support the District Administration to form Local Committees at the district and block levels. A meeting was also held with officers of the labour department to discuss their role in the implementation of the Act.



The day long programme was organised jointly by Martha Farrell Foundation, PRIA and Asangathit Karamchari Union, a unit of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC).