Blog Post

Netflix’s “The White Tiger”

  • by Hauwa Ottun
  • •
  • 08 Apr, 2021

Netflix’s “The White Tiger”: Drawing parallels between its portrayal of servitude and the domestic services industry in Nigeria.

Based on the New York Times bestseller and the 2008 Man Booker Prize-winning novel, Netflix’s the White Tiger tells the story of Balram (Adarsh Gourav), a man who following the death of his father from untreated Tuberculosis, sees the limitations of his current environment and makes the choice to try for better.  

Balram’s journey in The White Tiger truly begins when he creates an opportunity for himself when is soon to be master, Ashok (Rajkummar Rao) stops by the tea stall he runs with his family. Following this, he talks and performs his way into becoming the driver of Ashok and Pinky (Priyanka Chopra-Jonas) who have recently moved to India from the United States. Balram continues to play the role of humble servant well whilst working for his new masters, although we get a glimpse of the lengths, he is willing to go for ambition when he outs the head driver for being Muslim knowing his masters do not like Muslims just so he can take over the role of head driver. After one fateful night where something goes wrong whilst he was in the car with Ashok and Pinky, Balram comes to the stark realisation that in a society designed to keep you stuck in the environment you are trying to break out off, the desire for more and playing by the rules can only take you so far. He rebels and forges a new path to freedom.
 
The White Tiger is a story about servitude, corruption, poverty, and class divide, all told with dark humour. Whilst watching it I could not help but draw the following parallels with the domestic services industry in Nigeria and the treatment of domestic workers in the country in general:

Class divide and the false perception of what it means to be a good person

In Ashok and Pinky’s progressive approach to their servant and master relationship with Balram, there is still a disdain and belief in them that Balram, the servant is subordinate to them. Unsurprisingly so because the society around them tells them exactly that. This is made clear when Ashok admonishes his father one of the times his father hits Balram by saying “why do you hit the servants? In America, they can sue you for that” but then later on he has no issue with Balram taking the fall for the actions of that fateful night. Through this we see that Ashok’s and Pinky’s empathy and regard for the poor is clearly strictly one of convenience. Despite what they may believe, they still view themselves as better than Balram because they are wealthy and privileged. In them, I see the progressive “madam” or “oga” who despite thinking they have the best intentions towards their domestic worker, they are still a product of a system dependent on the subordination of the poor, which then eventually manifests in how they approach the servant and master relationship. For instance, the employer who treats their domestic worker relatively well but then equally insists that they seat apart from them in public . It begs the question; can we ever really do better when the society we exist in and the privilege we hold discourages us from doing so?  




Corruption

The system Balram is trying to navigate and escape from is corrupt and not designed for people like him. This is highlighted clearly throughout the film but more so during the scene when Balram realises that he is about to be forced to take the fall for what happened that fateful night despite being innocent. The helplessness and feeling of betrayal on his face is stark. Balram knows that his masters know that when it comes down to it their version of events will be believed. They know they have the power to make life difficult for him and his family. He is left with no choice but to accept this and await his fate. As he says later on “they made me sign that confession and I asked for nothing in return. Why did I not ask? I did not even think to ask”. In that scene I thought about what exploitation can look like in the domestic services industry in Nigeria, and how easy it is for people to fall through the cracks, especially when they are poor. This part of the story also made me think about how the
difference between freedom or justice for a domestic worker who is being exploited by their employer and the ongoing exploitation by said employer, can be the policeman at the station who chooses to believe whoever is able to pay him or her he most money to look the other way, because when it comes down to it, our country (Nigeria) is not designed to protect the poor. Ironically, in the White Tiger we also see how corruption breeds corruption: Balram eventually escapes servitude but does this by resorting to the very thing that played a hand in keeping him trapped in it for so long. It is as if this is present in the film to say that the cycle will continue unless we do something as a collective to break it.
A call to action?

The White Tiger forces us to sit in the discomfort of seeing what our role can be in how exploitation, class divide, and privilege plays out in society. However, I also think film as a medium also offers distance in that we can watch it and go back to our lives as it were before it without confronting the issues it highlights. The choice is up to us really.

'The Girl with the Louding Voice' and the Current State of the Domestic Services Industry in Nigeria

by Adedamola Ososanya • 19 January 2024

Abi Dare's 'The Girl with the Louding Voice' delves into the challenges faced by women in Nigeria, particularly those working in the domestic services industry. The narrative follows Adunni, a young girl striving for independence in a society that often marginalizes and silences women. This article examines the novel's key themes of gender, socio-economic inequality, and empowerment, while also exploring the current state of the domestic services industry in Nigeria. Additionally, Christian Leftieri's 'Songbirds' will be referenced to offer a broader perspective on these shared themes.

Gender Inequality and Empowerment:

Dare's novel addresses deeply rooted gender inequalities in Nigeria, portraying Adunni's struggles in a society that limits women's voices and choices. Adunni reflects on societal expectations, stating, "Dem born me, a woman. And as a woman, my life don spoil before e even start" (Dare, 2019, p. 43). This quote encapsulates the pervasive norms hindering women's aspirations.

Research by Okeke-Ihejirika (2018) supports Dare's portrayal, noting, "The domestic services industry in Nigeria is predominantly female-centric, contributing to gender-based economic disparities."

Socio-Economic Inequality:

'The Girl with the Louding Voice' masterfully addresses socio-economic inequality, exposing challenges faced by those trapped in the cycle of poverty. Adunni's journey becomes a microcosm of broader economic disparities within Nigerian society, emphasizing the need for systemic change.

Leftieri's 'Songbirds' echoes these sentiments, examining the impact of socio-economic inequality on marginalized communities. A quote from the novel resonates with Adunni's experience: "In the symphony of life, some voices are drowned out by the cacophony of poverty and neglect" (Leftieri, 2021, p. 87). This parallel emphasizes the universality of the themes explored.

The Current State of the Domestic Services Industry in Nigeria:

Recent scrutiny of Nigeria's domestic services industry reveals pressing issues, including inadequate legal protection, long working hours, and insufficient wages (Ajayi & Onifade, 2023). Notably, the lack of legal consequences for sexual violence against poor women in Nigeria exacerbates the challenges faced by domestic workers.

Statistics from a study conducted by Human Rights Watch (2022) reveal alarming rates of sexual violence against poor women in Nigeria, with a significant lack of legal consequences. The study found that in 75% of reported cases, perpetrators faced no legal repercussions, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable women in the domestic services sector.

Conclusion:

Abi Dare's 'The Girl with the Louding Voice' highlights the intersecting themes of gender inequality, socio-economic disparities, and empowerment in Nigeria. By drawing parallels with Christian Leftieri's 'Songbirds' and incorporating research on the domestic services industry, this article contributes to the discourse surrounding the need for change. The lack of legal consequences for sexual violence against poor women in Nigeria underscores the urgency for comprehensive reforms. Literature and research play crucial roles in fostering awareness and advocating for a more equitable future.

References:

Dare, A. (2019). The Girl with the Louding Voice. Sceptre.

Okeke-Ihejirika, P. (2018). Gendered Nature of Work: A Case Study of Female Domestic Workers in Nigeria. Gender, Place & Culture, 25(10), 1418-1435.

Leftieri, C. (2021). Songbirds. Random House.

Ajayi, O., & Onifade, O. (2023). Challenges of Domestic Workers in Nigeria: A Case Study. Journal of Labor Economics, 37(4), 987-1013.

Human Rights Watch. (2022). Breaking the Silence: Violence Against Women and Girls in Nigeria. Retrieved from [URL]

Founders Letter: January 2024

by Adedamola Ososanya • 6 January 2024

Dear Here to Help Nigeria Family,

Happy New Year! As we step into this promising year, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you for the incredible support and unwavering dedication you've shown Here to Help Nigeria throughout the past year. Your commitment and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our achievements and successes.

Reflecting on the milestones we achieved together in the past year fills me with immense pride. We made significant strides, notably with the launch of Nigeria's first-ever comprehensive certification course for domestic workers. Witnessing 10 individuals graduate, equipped with life-saving skills like CPR, First Aid, and valuable lessons on personal branding, reaffirmed our mission's impact. It's heartening to see our efforts being recognized and praised in esteemed publications like PunchNG and BusinessDay.

Additionally, the launch of the Here to Help phone lines was a testament to our commitment to accessibility and support for those in need. Streamlining our team operations allowed us to work more efficiently and cohesively, ensuring that our initiatives reached a wider audience and had a more profound impact.

Our enhanced partnerships with the press and media were instrumental in spreading awareness and advocating for the rights of domestic workers. The increased coverage has not only amplified our voice but also magnified the importance of our cause.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the prospects of the upcoming year. We're gearing up for groundbreaking partnerships with governmental bodies to establish a dedicated helpline for domestic workers, providing them with essential resources and support. Furthermore, we aim to launch even more impactful campaigns to raise awareness and drive meaningful change in our community.

I cannot express enough how thrilled I am about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Together, as a united force, I am confident that we will continue to make significant strides in championing the rights of domestic workers and ensuring their well-being.

Thank you once again for your relentless support and unwavering commitment. Let's embark on this new chapter with enthusiasm and determination, knowing that together, we will create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

With anticipation and gratitude, 

Adedamola Ososanya.

Co-founder, Here to Help Nigeria.



In The Press: Perm sec advises domestic workers on creativity

by Segun Adewole for Punch Newspaper • 23 April 2023

As quoted from Punch Newspaper:

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs Adetutu Ososanya, has urged domestic service workers, otherwise known as househelps, to ensure they get creative to enable them to stand out in their job.

According to her, they should never see their current position as the end but should always strive to be better at what they do to move them to the next level.

Ososanya said this while delivering her goodwill message at the certificate and award presentation to some domestic service workers who had undergone training organised by a non-profit organisation, Here To Help, in conjunction with LISA, on Saturday.

She said, “I’ll tell you the story of a girl that I met when I went to do a job as a trained landscaper in Ikoyi. She was one of the freelance workers. After each day’s work, she usually approached me to seek other jobs to enable her to earn extra money. Shortly after, I learnt that she got a job as a cleaner at a site. Today, she owns a cleaning company.

“Let me tell you, the work of your hands can never deceive you. I know that everything you’ve learnt today will add value to what you do. In your spare time, think of how you can make a difference. The only way you can be outstanding is when you do things creatively and exceptionally. So, I want to say congratulations to all of you for partaking in this scheme.”

On her part, the Founder, Here To Help, Adedamola Ososanya, said the training was needed especially at a time when employers were getting into trouble with househelps they hired.

“We want to have this as a standardised requirement before one can work in the domestic services industry. It’s beneficial for the govenment because when we have an industry that is formalised, we will have people with the skills to work in the industry. This is really necessary as it will curb the rate at which domestic service workers run into trouble with their employees,” she said.

The househelps who were full of praises for the training said they learnt how to brand themselves and also how to provide some basic health care during minor accidents in the homes they work in.


In the Press: NGO, partner upscale domestic workers skills in Nigeria

by Abubakar Ibrahim for Business Day • 23 April 2023
As quoted directly from Business Day:

In an effort to upscale and improve the lives of citizens of Nigeria, Here to Help Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, and Let it Shine Academy (LISA), have trained and educated domestic workers on increasing their skills in different fields.

The eight-day certification course, an intensive training programme, cuts across a range of topic areas like first aid, workplace conduct, human rights, and more.

According to the partners, education is empowerment “and we believe equipping domestic workers with the skill set required to shift to perform in their field and beyond is one of the first steps required to shift the narrative around this industry.”

Adedamola Ososanya, co-founder of Here to Help Nigeria, said, “As part of this course we were able to teach them everything from personal branding to CPR, first aid and household safety. For this, they are better employees and solution providers to you.

She thanked the employers who believed in their workers enough to send them to this program, “because of your belief in them they are more knowledgeable and well-rounded employees ready to take on the world,” she said.

Here to Help Nigeria’s overall mission is aimed at creating a skilled workforce of educated employees for employers. While seeking to create a world where rights are protected and skill sets fairly compensated for the employees.

“We both believe in empowerment and that’s why we entered this partnership with Here to Help Nigeria,” said Fatima Mamman, head of strategy for LISA.

According to her, LISA, which specialises more in children, pulled resources together to help improve the lives of domestic workers in the country.

“We’re always interested in supporting education as a whole not just like for children and we found that we had the resources that to complement each other to make something like this happen,” she said.

According to Mamman, there are plans already in motion to reach out to more people and improve on what was achieved with the maiden edition of the programme.

Grace Owolabi, one of the beneficiaries, said that the programme was an eye-opener and had transformed her into a better person.

“Before now, I had little knowledge about being a first responder but the insights from this programme have been immense.

“With this programme, I’ve also got to know my fundamental human rights and how to defend it as a citizen of this country, act in a case of sexual assault and harassment,” she said. “Today, I know how best to interact and work in an official space with this training.”

Owolabi thanked the organisers for the impact of the programme on their lives and called on other people to join, learn and improve in the various aspect of their lives.



In the Press - “Wait and have faith”: The quest to end the exploitation of Nigerian migrant workers

by Adebola Makinde for Minority Africa • 23 April 2023
Across the Middle East and certain parts of Africa, migrant workers report facing various human rights violations, emboldened by “Kafala,” an unchecked slavery system that dictates working relationships. In Nigeria, some individuals are learning from past events and turning to unconventional measures to dismantle the unregulated labour industry. Are their efforts successful?

Here to Help Nigeria - Resource Pack

by Adedamola Ososanya • 29 May 2022
Research and Articles

1) Unigwe, C. (2021). Nigeria: On Young Domestic Workers and Abuse . [online] allAfrica.com. Available at: https://allafrica.com/stories/202101210280.html [Accessed 29 May 2022].

2) Ibeme, N. (2014). Child Domestic Worker in Rural and Urban Areas of Nigeria: Implications for National Development.   www.bloomfieldeducation.com. &  https://www.researchgate.net/publication/307156156_Child_Domestic_Worker_in_Rural_and_Urban_Areas_of...

3) Innocenti, U.O. of R. - (n.d.). Gender, paid domestic work and social protection. Exploring opportunities and challenges to extending social protection coverage among paid domestic workers in Nigeria . [online] UNICEF-IRC. Available at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/1961-gender-paid-domestic-work-and-social-protection.html [Accessed 29 May 2022].

4) ILO (2013). Domestic Workers Across the World: Global and regional statistics and the extent of legal protection . [online] www.ilo.org . Available at: https://www.ilo.org/travail/Whatsnew/WCMS_173363/lang--en/index.htm [Accessed 29 May 2022].

5) Sarti, R. and Scrinzi, F. (2010) ‘Introduction to the Special Issue: Men in a Woman’s Job, Male Domestic Workers, International Migration and the Globalization of Care’, Men and Masculinities , 13(1), pp. 4–15. doi: 10.1177/1097184X10382878.

6)Labour Act Chapter 198. (n.d.). [online] Available at: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---ilo_aids/documents/legaldocumen....

7) Vanguard News. (2021). 30 domestic workers in Lagos receive awards for hard work . [online] Available at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/09/30-domestic-workers-in-lagos-receive-awards-for-hard-work/ [Accessed 29 May 2022].

8) documentwomen.com. (2022). Confronting Domestic Worker Abuse in my Culture . [online] Available at: https://documentwomen.com/confronting-domestic-worker-abuse-by-igbo-women [Accessed 5 Jul. 2022].

9) Adisa, T.A., Adekoya, O.D. and Okoya, O. (2021). Modern-day slavery? The work-life conflict of domestic workers in Nigeria. Gender in Management: An International Journal , 36(4), pp.519–535. doi:10.1108/gm-02-2020-0054. 

10) Odey, D. (n.d.). A long way from home: The child ‘house helpers’ of Nigeria . [online] www.aljazeera.com. Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2021/7/15/a-long-way-from-home-the-child-house-helpers-of-nigeria [Accessed 14 Dec. 2022].

11)  Osiki, A. (2022). The impact of socio-legal inequality on women in the Nigerian domestic work sector. Law, Democracy and Development , 26, pp.1–36. doi:10.17159/2077-4907/2021/ldd.v26.3.


‌


‌

‌


Here to Help Recommends (Books)

1) Abi Daré (2020). The girl with the louding voice . London: Spectre.
2)Lefteri, C. (2021). Songbirds : a novel . New York: Ballantine Books.

‌3) Gibson, L.C. (2016). Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents . Readhowyouwant.

DOMESTIC WORKERS ARE A LIVING INDEX

by Oyinkansola Ojo-Aromokudu • 31 August 2020
Here, we take a moment to consider what the lived experience of domestic workers can tell us about migration, economics, gender, the law and social signalling

Maternity Leave - Never a privilege always a right.

by Hawwa Ottun • 16 May 2020
This article explores the importance of viewing maternity leave as a right for domestic workers.

COVID-19 - A game changer for the domestic services industry

by Oluwakemi Agbato • 2 May 2020
An overview on the effects of COVID-19 on the domestic services industry

Hear The Stories

by Adedamola Ososanya • 28 September 2019
Hear the Stories is a photoseries by Here to Help Nigeria, shot by the talented Michele Frank-Ali. At Here to Help Nigeria our key focus is to re-humanise and change the narrative around workers in the domestic services industry in Nigeria. As a step towards achieving these goals, we sat down with seven domestic workers in conversation. As part of these conversations we talked about their dreams, hopes and regrets. Hear the Stories provides insight into the trials and tribulations of domestic workers, reminding us that they are people with stories just like everyone else.
Show More
Share by: