The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has expressed deep concern over the continued exploitation and poor working conditions faced by millions of domestic workers across the continent, even 15 years after the adoption of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
Statement on International Day of Domestic Workers
In a statement issued on Tuesday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Domestic Workers, ITUC-Africa highlighted that domestic workers remain among the most vulnerable groups in Africa. Many lack written contracts, social protection, regulated working hours, and the freedom to organise and bargain collectively.
The statement, signed by General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie, noted that the annual observance, marked every June 16, coincides with the 15th anniversary of the adoption of ILO Convention 189. This landmark international treaty formally recognised domestic work as legitimate work and domestic workers as entitled to the same fundamental rights as other workers.
Tribute to Domestic Workers
The organisation paid tribute to the millions of domestic workers across Africa, including nannies, housekeepers, caregivers, cooks, and gardeners, describing their labour as indispensable to families and national economies.
“Domestic workers keep households running and families whole. Their labour is the foundation upon which all other work rests. Yet, for too long, it has remained invisible, undervalued and unprotected,” the organisation stated.
Slow Progress in Africa
ITUC-Africa observed that while Convention 189 represented a major victory for domestic workers globally, progress in Africa has been slow. Only a handful of the 54 African Union member states have ratified the convention, and implementation has been inconsistent even in countries that have adopted it.
The labour body estimated that Africa is home to between 12 and 15 million domestic workers, the majority of whom are women and girls. Many are internal or cross-border migrants pushed into precarious work arrangements by poverty and inequality.
Domestic workers frequently operate in private households beyond the reach of labour inspectors, making them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The organisation also raised concerns over the persistence of child domestic labour, warning that many young girls are placed in domestic service where they are denied education and exposed to exploitation.
Call for Urgent Action
Describing the situation as unacceptable, ITUC-Africa called on African governments, employers, and development partners to take urgent steps to improve working conditions and strengthen legal protections for domestic workers.
Recommendations include:
- Ratifying and implementing ILO Convention 189
- Enacting national laws guaranteeing minimum wage protection, regulated working hours, rest periods, maternity benefits, and access to social security
- Strengthening support for domestic workers’ unions to enable collective bargaining
- Eradicating child domestic labour through stricter enforcement, school retention programmes, and expanded social protection
- Formalising domestic work through written contracts, registration systems, and inclusion in national social security schemes
- Addressing vulnerabilities of migrant domestic workers by ratifying ILO Conventions 97 and 143 and ensuring bilateral labour agreements prioritise workers’ rights
ITUC-Africa urged all stakeholders to act decisively to ensure domestic workers receive the dignity and protection they deserve.
