Protect 300 girls from Child domestic work in Peru

Winter is coming to an end. Although there is no snow or heavy rain in Lima, we do have almost 100% humidity and a persistent drizzle. This winter in Lima has been particularly cold and wet. For this reason we have made some changes to our Sunday activities for girls in child domestic labor and adult domestic workers.

The group of girls coming from San Juan de Miraflores arrive at 10am at La Casa de Panchita. They immediately receive a hot cup of quinoa mixed with apples and some cake. This is very good for them, since some of them have not had breakfast at home. Lunch is served at 1pm and it always includes seasonal fruit.

Domestic workers participate in labor rights workshops and are also offered a snack that gives them energy and warms them up.

Women learn to value themselves and their work. After attending La Casa de Panchita they talk about their takeaways:

"I have to think about myself as well, value myself as a woman and a worker. Normally, my children and husband come first. I do not think of myself, but  if I value what I do, then I'm better at my job too. "

"I did not use to admit that I worked as the help, because I felt bad about it and I thought it was not real work. I do not feel the same way anymore. Now I know it is a decent job. I heard about La Casa de Panchita on the radio, listening to the novel Panchita. I liked what I heard and I decided to find out more! "

"We take care of their home. We serve them so that everything works better in their life. If we were not there, everything would be more complicated, wouldn’t it? Who would look after their children? Who would cook? Who would clean the house? Our employers also need to start valuing our work".

Girls learn about the risks of working in domestic service and they also share what they learn at La Casa de Panchita:

"Children should not be taking care of younger children. It is a huge risk for both of them!"

"We have learned that children are not supposed to be working. We are supposed to go to school and enjoy our childhood. Now I know what Child domestic work is!"

"Girls like myself should be in school. We shouldn’t be working!"

Thank you for helping make this possible!

Blanca Figueroa