Legal and Financial Assistance for Housemaid

Project Title: Legal and Financial Assistance for a Housemaid Against Money Fraud

Introduction:

Thrive Foundation has always been committed to supporting individuals from marginalized and vulnerable communities in times of crisis. This report highlights our efforts in assisting a local housemaid who faced financial exploitation by her employer. The project aimed to provide legal, emotional, and financial support to ensure justice and fair treatment.

Objective:

To support a housemaid in reclaiming her rightful wages and addressing the financial fraud perpetrated by her employer.

Case Details:

Victim:                                    Sonali Bavdhane

Location:                               Diva- Thane

Issue: The housemaid was denied her due wages and became a victim of financial fraud by her employer, who falsely claimed payment had been made.

Steps Taken:

1. Case Investigation:

Conducted a detailed inquiry into the incident by meeting the housemaid and understanding her grievances.

Verified the financial transactions and gathered evidence such as text messages, transaction records, and witness statements.

2. Legal Support:

Partnered with local legal aid organizations to provide the housemaid with free legal assistance.

Filed a formal complaint against the employer with the appropriate authorities.

3. Counseling and Emotional Support:

Offered psychological counseling to help the housemaid deal with the emotional stress caused by the fraud.

Connected her with support groups to provide a sense of community and solidarity.

4. Community Mobilization:

Engaged with local community members and advocacy groups to spread awareness about wage rights and financial fraud.

Conducted a peaceful demonstration to amplify the housemaid’s voice and demand justice.

5. Financial Assistance:

Provided immediate monetary support to the housemaid to help her sustain herself during the legal process.

Outcome:

Immediate resolution: The employer immediately paid a partial amount to the housemaid and issued postdated cheques for balance amount

Community Impact: Enhanced awareness among local domestic workers regarding their rights and legal remedies.

Beneficiary Feedback: The housemaid expressed immense gratitude and shared how the intervention restored her confidence in seeking justice.

Challenges Faced:

Difficulty in gathering evidence due to lack of documentation.

Resistance from the employer in cooperating with authorities.

Conclusion:

This project underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of domestic workers and ensuring they receive fair treatment. Thrive Foundation’s intervention not only resolved the immediate issue but also empowered the community to stand against such injustices.

Acknowledgment:

We are grateful to our legal partners, community leaders, and volunteers who contributed to the successful resolution of this case..