Oxfam Run 2025 kicks off this Saturday to advocate for the rights of domestic workers

To advocate for the rights of 4 million domestic workers of Bangladesh, Oxfam in Bangladesh will organize 'Oxfam Run' with the slogan of, 'Advocacy Beyond Walls' on Saturday, 22 February, at Hatirjheel, Dhaka with the participation of over 2,000 people. They will run for the equality for the domestic workers. 

The event will be a platform for the recognition of domestic workers as 'labour' in Bangladesh's labour law and ensure their rights and dignity. The event is supported by Global Affairs Canada.

Domestic workers play a vital role in our lives, society and country by providing essential services such as cleaning, cooking, and caregiving. Despite their contributions to the economy, domestic workers remain excluded from labour law protections, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and inadequate wages.

Through the Run initiative, Oxfam is calling for the proper implementation of the Policy on Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers 2015, ratification of the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, and stronger measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of this critical workforce for years through its difference approaches.

Reflecting on the Oxfam Run, Mahmuda Sultana, Acting Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh said, 'This run is more than a symbolic event. It's a call for equality and justice. We stand in solidarity with domestic workers to ensure their rights and livelihood are respected. The people who are participating are also expressing their solidarity for these workers' rights.'

Mohammad Azaz, Administrator, of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), will join the event as the chief guest. As a special guest, A. H. M. Shafiquzzaman, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Dr. Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports and Md. Monir Hossain, Additional Director, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs will be joined. Along with them, representatives from different embassies, CSOs and other stakeholders also participated. 

To ensure smooth management and an environment-friendly event, Participants are encouraged to avoid bringing printed materials or plastic bags. Smoking is strictly prohibited, and depositing valuables things must be locked in the locker. For more updates, follow the event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DyMwfKVun/?mibextid=wwXIfr.

For the first time, Oxfam organized the Run in 2024. Following the first year's success, the second edition is being organized. It reflects a shared commitment to justice, equity, and solidarity for domestic workers, hearing their voices and demands for fair treatment and legal recognition. Working for Domestic Workers through the Suniti Project, launched in 2020, Oxfam is supporting 18,000 women domestic workers in developing professional and life skills, creating better job opportunities, and advocating for their inclusion in labour laws.