Video News Releases

Malawi: Finding solutions for child domestic workers

12 June 2013

Millions of children around the world, mainly girls, are working in households other than their own, doing domestic work such as cleaning, ironing, cooking and looking after other children and the elderly. According to a new report on domestic work from the International Labour Organization, it's estimated at least two-thirds of these children are working under the legal minimum wage, or in conditions that are hazardous. Often, the working relationship between the child and their employer is ambiguous at best, exploitative at worst. But solutions are possible, even in a place where using children as domestic workers is a long tradition.

Labour rights recognized for Filipino domestic workers

05 September 2012

The Philippines' ratification of ILO Convention 189 officially extends basic labour rights to domestic workers and will bring the convention into force within the year. But what does passing this landmark legislation actually change in the life of a maid working in the Philippines?

Uruguay takes the lead to protect domestic workers

24 July 2012

Providing protection for the world's millions of domestic workers has taken a major step forward. In April 2012, Uruguay became the first country to ratify ILO Convention 189, the landmark treaty guaranteeing domestic workers get the same core labour protections as other workers. Uruguay has long been a leader in protecting the rights of domestic workers, but ratifying the convention demanded a unique approach; a group of Uruguayan housewives were called on to represent the employers of domestic workers at the bargaining table.

Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

16 June 2011

According to the ILO, many countries still don’t recognize domestic work as “work”, denying millions of people labour and social protection under the law. But that’s changing in the United States, thanks to a dedicated group of women.