The Domestic Workers' Association of Namibia (Dowana), a small, community-based service organization with a full-time organizer renting a small office temporarily in town, aims to create an awareness among domestic workers.
It was launched in November 1988 by concerned domestic workers in response to the double oppression under which they are living.
The objectives of Dowana are:
- to help domestic workers regain their self-respect and defend their rights as members of the community;
- to work towards creating appropriate self-help projects such as cooperatives, credit unions and other income-generating schemes;
- to educate domestic workers on broader, political and socioeconomic issues, so as to make them aware of what is happening in the world;
- to conduct educational workshops, seminars and consultations that can help advance the value of a domestic worker;
- to give information on where to seek help when involved in work disputes; and
- to cooperate with other community-based organizations and non-government organizations locally, nationally and internationally.
Full membership is open to domestic workers living in Katutura, Khomasdal and in towm irrespective or race, color, sex, religion or political affiliation. Applicants must be willing to subscribe to the association's objectives.
Dowana's address is: P.O. Box 50155, Bachbre Windhoek, Namibia, 9000. Contact persons are: Elizabeth Tjaronda, tel. (061) 36029; Francina Katjiuongua, (061) 215298 or 6757 Maroela; and Ellen Setshwantso, (061) 63 or at Rossing, Katutura.