Visit to mining wives and women in Godavarikhani

Details

Created: Wednesday, 15 February 2017 06:45

Hits: 1795

Miners village of the "Singareni Collieries"
We were received warmly by Padma and were introduced to the family. Within a short time there were 40-50 persons, women, youth, men, then also the press. For the press we had to dance, sing (the song: Attach a red ribbon to your heart), give a short speech (we mobilized for the IMC and women's forum). Even a very small baby was put into the arms of Birgit – that showed great trust.
In the following discussion, men were standing around, there was less time to discuss with the women. In the discussion there were mainly questions about the life of miners and their families in Germany (wages, rent, electricity ...) There are similarities and differences.
Similarities: apartments of the mining company, subcontracted work, everything was very neat and clean.
Differences: They get electricity and water for free (whether the rent is for free we have to ask again) and health care for free.
Unemployment: in Germany young people are unemployed or in subcontracted or temporary work. In India when the father retires, the son gets the job. More than half were young women and girls.
It was a great "friendship among sisters".