The Kaduna State House of Assembly has announced plans to review existing laws to address issues of abuse and human rights violations against caregivers in the state.
Hon. Haruna Barnabas, representing Kauru/Chawai constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Health, disclosed this during a Care Workers Summit organized by Transparency and Accountability in Totality Initiative in Kaduna.
Advocating for Better Treatment of Care Workers
Speaking at the event, Hon. Barnabas emphasized the need for employers to prioritize the welfare of care workers.
“These caregivers are humans who dedicate their time to serve others. We must ask whether they are adequately supported and cared for after their services,” he said.
In a similar vein, Hon. Isma’il Mahmud, representing Zaria constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Education, revealed that the assembly is working on legislation to mandate employers to provide better support for caregivers. He praised the summit organizers for highlighting this critical issue.
Summit Goals and Call for Collaboration
Halliru Ahmad Khalifa, the Team Lead of Transparency and Accountability in Totality, explained the summit's aim: to raise awareness about the contributions of unpaid and underpaid care workers and advocate for policies that ensure fair compensation and improved welfare.
“There is a need for collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and care workers to address caregiving challenges effectively,” Khalifa stated.
Musa Suleiman, the Head of Program and Partnership at the organization, added that the summit serves as a wake-up call for the government and stakeholders to invest in improving care workers’ welfare in Kaduna.
Care Workers Share Their Stories
During the summit, Haulatu Kamilu, a care worker, shared her experiences, noting that she took on caregiving jobs to support her children after losing her husband. Her story underscored the struggles many care workers face daily.
Broad Participation
The summit brought together representatives from government parastatals, lawmakers, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and human rights groups. It highlighted the collective responsibility of society to ensure the welfare and rights of caregivers are protected.