In the midst of applauding healthcare professionals and first responders, another group is often overlooked: domestic workers, particularly Black women who work as nannies and cleaners. These essential workers are also on the front lines during the COVID-19 crisis, yet many are facing reduced hours or complete loss of income. Furthermore, a significant number lack health insurance and adequate protective gear, such as masks.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) has issued a call for urgent support, highlighting that many low-wage domestic workers are immigrants and women of color who deserve better protections. They advocate for improved pay, access to protective equipment, testing, family care support, and hazard pay for these essential workers.
Recent data from the Associated Press revealed a troubling statistic: Black individuals account for 33% of COVID-19 fatalities, despite making up only 14% of the population in the analyzed regions. This disparity is compounded by the fact that Black people are more likely to suffer from pre-existing health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, which increase their vulnerability to the virus. Additionally, they often lack medical insurance and face systemic racism in healthcare, leading to unequal treatment when seeking care.
Ai-jen Poo, executive director of the NDWA, emphasized that domestic work is crucial for families and communities, yet these workers have been marginalized and denied equal protections for years. She stated, “Our solutions must both meet their immediate needs and address long-standing inequalities that have deepened their vulnerability during this crisis.”
Alicia Brown, a representative from the NDWA, noted the dire situation for Black communities, which are grappling with a 50% unemployment rate during the pandemic. She echoed the need for health and safety protections for Black domestic workers, asserting that “Black workers deserve better than what our country is currently offering.”
Interviews with domestic workers of color reveal their struggles. For instance, Mia, a home care worker from North Carolina, shared that her hours have plummeted from forty-eight to just ten per week. She attempted to file for unemployment but found the system overwhelmed. “We need to support home care workers because without us, the elderly don’t stand a chance,” she expressed.
In New York City, a nanny named Jasmine described her multifaceted role, which goes beyond childcare to include cooking and emotional support for the family. “We are essential, yet our contributions are often undervalued,” she lamented.
Meanwhile, Valentina, an Afro-Latina house cleaner in Philadelphia, continues to work despite the risks because she needs to provide for her children. Lacking health insurance, she feels unsafe without proper cleaning equipment supplied by her employers: “I feel like I’m constantly at risk.”
While stimulus checks offered some relief, not everyone qualifies. Undocumented workers and those married to someone without a social security number are left out, highlighting the inequities in the system. The checks received are often insufficient for families’ actual needs.
If you want to assist domestic workers of color, consider continuing to pay your cleaners or nannies if you can, even if their hours have been reduced. If that’s not feasible, help them navigate the unemployment application process. Another impactful way to lend support is by donating to the NDWA Coronavirus Care Fund, which provides immediate financial assistance to domestic workers, enabling them to stay safe at home.
The global pandemic has made life significantly more challenging for many, particularly marginalized communities. We can all contribute in various ways, whether through volunteering, tipping service workers generously, or advocating for fair policies. Explore more about how to support such initiatives in our previous post here.
In summary, Black female domestic workers are facing heightened risks and vulnerabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their essential roles demand recognition and support, along with systemic changes to ensure their safety and dignity. Resources like Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit and Mount Sinai’s infertility resources are also valuable for those navigating their own family planning journeys.