Domestic workers

Decent work for domestic workers: 
A matter of gender equality and human rights

An estimated 53 million to 100 million women and men perform work in or for households. They often experience poor working conditions and are excluded from legal protection. Millions are unable to realize their human rights and to live in freedom. Women represent 83 per cent of domestic workers. Conscious of the high level of vulnerability in this sector, the ILO adopted Convention 189 and Recommendation 201 in June 2011. The ILO has also adopted a strategy to promote the new instruments. It supports countries that wish to implement measures to improve the working conditions and lives of domestic workers. Effective protection and improved working conditions reduce gender inequality and discrimination in the world of work.