Setting targets and developing formalization strategies to make decent work a reality for domestic workers
15 years of advancing decent work for domestic workers
In 2026, the International Labour Organization (ILO) celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). To mark this milestone, the ILO, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) will convene a global tripartite conference in Montevideo to take stock of progress and set priorities for the next 15 years.
About the conference
Since the adoption of Convention No. 189, countries have made important progress in extending labour and social protection to domestic workers. Yet major gaps remain: around 81 per cent of domestic workers are still in informal employment, often without effective protection or access to social security.
At the same time, demographic and care shifts, migration, climate-related shocks, crises and digitalization are reshaping domestic work, creating new challenges and opportunities.
The 15th anniversary is an opportunity to take stock, respond to these changes and renew commitments to accelerate formalization and make decent work a reality for all domestic workers.
Objectives
The conference will bring together ILO constituents and partners to:
- Take stock of progress since the adoption of Convention No. 189 and identify remaining gaps in achieving decent work for domestic workers.
- Explore emerging challenges and opportunities to improve working conditions and accelerate formalization.
- Set shared targets and priorities for the next 15 years, with concrete milestones for formalization, protection and effective implementation.
- Strengthen tripartite dialogue and mobilize action and resources to deliver on these priorities.
The conference will also showcase efforts across regions to advance the rights of domestic workers and reaffirm the role of international labour standards in achieving decent work.
Why Montevideo?
Montevideo holds a special place in the history of domestic workers’ rights. Uruguay was the first country to ratify Convention No. 189 and hosted the founding congress of the International Domestic Workers’ Federation.
More broadly, Latin America has led the way in ratifying the Convention and advancing domestic workers’ rights, gender equality and decent work in the care economy.
Related content
Topic portal
Domestic workers
Topic portal
Informal economy