Date: May 1, 2025
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Conference of Religious Women India (CRWI), through its Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC), organized a compelling online webinar titled “Workers’ Rights, Dignity, Current Concerns & Developments” on 1st May 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The webinar brought together experts and leaders committed to the cause of workers’ welfare and human dignity, aligning with CRWI’s mission to promote justice and healing in society.
The session began with a context-setting address by Sr. Nirmalini AC, President of CRWI, who emphasized the sacredness of work and the Church’s commitment to standing with workers in their struggle for fair treatment, humane conditions, and rightful dignity.
Keynote Speakers:
- Ms. Christine Nathan, President of the International Catholic Migration Commission, delivered a powerful talk on the global challenges faced by migrant workers, shedding light on issues such as exploitation, discrimination, and the urgent need for policy reform and compassion-driven advocacy. Her vast international experience brought a global dimension to the conversation, encouraging participants to think beyond borders.
- Sr. Lissy Joseph, Chairperson of the National Workers Welfare Trust, addressed grassroots realities, especially concerning women and informal sector workers. Her talk underscored the vulnerabilities of domestic workers and laborers in unorganized sectors, highlighting successful welfare interventions and calling for greater solidarity and systemic change.
Key Themes Explored:
- The intersection of labor rights and human dignity
- The status and struggles of migrant workers
- The role of faith communities in advocating for justice
- Current developments in labor law and worker protections in India
- The Church’s response to the exploitation of labor, especially in informal and marginalized sectors
Participant Engagement:
The webinar drew a diverse audience, including religious sisters, social activists, educators, and youth leaders. The Zoom platform facilitated an interactive session, with Q&A moments that sparked deeper reflection and connection.
A Call to Action:
Participants were encouraged to deepen their involvement in promoting the dignity of labor through grassroots engagement, policy advocacy, and community education. The webinar served as both a formation and a call — reminding all that safeguarding workers’ rights is not just a legal obligation but a Gospel imperative.
This initiative was part of the ongoing work of the Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC), a unit of CRWI, committed to fostering healing, justice, and human dignity within the Church and society.
To stay updated on future events or access resources, visit: www.crwi.org.in