Project Summary:

The Shuchona Project is to introduce a Digital Finance System (DFS) for Domestic Workers which will empower them financially and increase their self-esteem as dignified workers with more bargaining power. There will be proof of their payment, and DWs will feel there is formal recognition of their job through systematic payment. This will help address non-payment or delayed wages, a common problem faced by domestic workers. The irregularity of the present payment system deprives DWs of financial security as they cannot make long-term financial plans. With digital payments, their chances of making savings will be enhanced leading to more financial security. On the other hand, more and more women employers will open accounts with digital services which will empower them also. As surveys show, women employers also do not use the digital system and mostly remain outside the formal financial banking system. The benefit of this project is twofold. Not only the DWs will be empowered through control of and access to their salaries, but the female employers will also learn to accept the formal way to pay salaries making them a part of the network of women using E-commerce. It will be a win-win situation for both parties. Introducing DFS will help DWs to access and be included in the formal financial services, such as the ability to transfer money to whoever they want, have more control over their income, save money for future use and reduce the gender gap to some extent and they will ensure 100% of them to obtain national ID providing them the confidence to access entitlements and further reduce the gender gap. Digitization will also give the opportunity to access numerous services and has the potential to increase access to a wider variety of income-generating opportunities and allow women to retain, control, and increase their income.