All news: domestic workers

Op-Ed

Domestic work is care work: Settling the historical debt to millions of women domestic workers

Op-ed

Not just labour, but lifelines: Recognizing the essential role of Filipino domestic workers

On International Domestic Workers' Day, Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO in the Philippines, recognizes the vital contributions of domestic workers and reaffirms the need for fair wages, protections and dignity.

Domestic Workers' Day

It is time to recognize domestic work as real and valuable work

On the occasion of Domestic Workers' Day, Yasser Hassan, Director of the ILO Office for Türkiye calls for ratifying C189 as a bold and necessary move to close the legal and policy gaps that leave domestic workers unprotected.

Op-ed

It’s time to recognize Indonesian domestic workers as essential

On International Domestic Workers' Day, Simin Singh, ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, recognizes the vital contributions of domestic workers in Indonesia. This opinion-editorial is published by the Jakarta Post on 16 June 2025.

Domestic workers day

Decent work for domestic workers is Africa’s shared Responsibility

On Domestic Workers Day, ILO Regional Director for Africa, Fanfan Rwanyindo, calls on African governments, employers, and society to recognize domestic work as essential work. With over 9.6 million domestic workers on the continent, this op-ed...

International Domestic Workers’ Day 2025 in Italy: caring for those who care for us

SEWA Kerala conducts campaigns and dialogue to advance recognition and decent work for domestic workers

The Self Employed Women’s Association in Kerala, with the ILO’s support, conducted campaigns and stakeholder consultation in celebration of the International Domestic Workers' Day, marking an important step towards inclusive legislation,...

C.189

Raising the voice of the invisible ILO Convention 189 and the future of Tanzania’s Domestic Workers

In 2025, domestic workers in Tanzania made history by joining the national May Day celebrations for the first time. This article explores their growing visibility, the push for the ratification of ILO Convention 189, and the future of decent work...

Making social protection accessible and effective for domestic workers with evidence from Bihar: Key insights on the way forward

The validation workshop reviewed the findings of a report and discussed ways forward to ensure accessible and effective social protection for domestic workers in India.

Making decent work a reality for domestic and home care workers in Europe

At an event in the European Parliament, the ILO underlined the need for formalizing care work, investing in quality care services, and ensuring a better protection for care workers to foster resilient and inclusive societies.

East African Community Advance towards Regional Competency Standards for Domestic Workers

The 2nd Regional Meeting of Experts on Competency Standards for Domestic Workers

FAIRWAY migration

ILO expands FAIRWAY programme to advance decent work for African migrant workers in the Arab States

New four-year initiative to support African migrant workers targets key sectors such as care and construction to address rights gaps and enhance regional cooperation.

Tanzania Validates Revised PDO Manual and Domestic Worker Curriculum

Tanzania has strengthened its labour migration governance by validating a revised pre-departure orientation manual and competency-based domestic worker curriculum. Supported by the ILO, the initiative follows a national gap analysis and recent...

Domestic workers rights

Graduation marks a milestone for Jamaica Household Workers' Union members

Graduates are now equipped with the expertise to effectively advocate for domestic workers’ rights and decent work conditions.

Press release

Indonesia strengthens its integrated gender responsiveness fair recruitment and inspection at national and subnational level

A series of capacity building activities on gender responsiveness fair recruitment and inspection is launched by the Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, strengthening the commitment of Indonesia to protect the rights of Indonesia...

Stakeholder meeting in Kerala promotes decent work for domestic workers

The PRS-STRIDE project and SEWA are reaching out to employer households to help recognize the rights of domestic workers.

Cooperative care models address global needs and improve social well-being

Panelists at the session on cooperatives and the care economy explored how cooperatives and SSE entities can improve care provision, empower women, and foster decent work.

Domestic workers

ILO and CTUA conducted a training on decent work for domestic workers and the Domestic Workers Convention

Trade union representatives and state labour inspectors are ready to protect and advocate decent work for domestic workers in Armenia.

Voices of change: Amplifying gender equality in rural Lao People's Democratic Republic

ILO’s European Union-funded SOLAR project helps villagers develop a better understanding of gender issues within families, leading to positive change.

Op-Ed

Invest in care: a shared responsibility, a social imperative, and a driver of progress

On the international day of care and support, ILO Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Joni Simpson, in her opinion editorial for the Daily Financial Times, Sri Lanka, highlights potential for the country to create 800,000 plus local...