International Domestic Workers Day

International Domestic Workers Day is observed annually on 16 June to recognise the contribution of domestic workers across the world and to highlight the need for safeguarding their labour rights. The day marks a significant milestone in global labour movements, commemorating the adoption of the International Labour Organization’s Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers in 2011. The observance serves to affirm the dignity of domestic labour, promote fair employment conditions, and raise awareness of the social and economic value generated by millions of workers engaged in household services.

Background and Global Context

Domestic work constitutes one of the oldest and most widespread forms of employment, particularly in regions with large informal sectors. Domestic workers include individuals engaged in cleaning, cooking, childcare, elder care, gardening, driving, and other household tasks. Despite their vital roles in supporting families and contributing to national economies, they have historically faced marginalisation, low wages, and lack of legal protection.
The call for a dedicated international observance emerged from sustained campaigns by worker unions, civil society organisations, and human rights groups seeking formal recognition of domestic workers’ rights. The adoption of ILO Convention 189 and Recommendation 201 established an international legal framework defining domestic work, setting labour standards, and mandating member states to extend social protection and fair employment conditions to domestic workers.

Significance of ILO Convention 189

ILO Convention 189 is a landmark instrument that outlines comprehensive standards for domestic work. Key provisions include:

• Establishment of minimum wage protections
• Regulation of working hours, rest periods, and overtime
• Protection against workplace abuse, exploitation, and violence
• Access to social security schemes
• Transparent employment contracts specifying duties and rights
• Equal treatment in respect of occupational safety and health

The Convention’s adoption signified global acknowledgement that domestic workers deserve the same labour rights as other workers. International Domestic Workers Day therefore symbolises ongoing commitment to promoting these rights and encouraging states to ratify and implement the Convention.

Global Profile of Domestic Work

Domestic work is a major source of employment, particularly for women. According to global labour studies, a substantial majority of domestic workers are female, and a significant proportion are migrants or vulnerable social groups. The prevalence of informal and unregulated employment arrangements has made domestic workers susceptible to long working hours, wage discrimination, and limited access to grievance mechanisms.
Common features of domestic work across regions include:

• High proportion of migrant workers engaged in live-in domestic service
• Limited visibility of working conditions due to the private nature of the workplace
• Absence of written contracts and standardised employment terms
• Barriers in accessing legal remedies due to social and economic constraints

International Domestic Workers Day provides an opportunity to draw attention to these systemic issues and advocate for comprehensive reforms.

Observance and Campaign Activities

Each year, trade unions, labour rights organisations, governments, and civil society groups organise events to commemorate the day. Activities commonly include:

• Public rallies, marches, and awareness campaigns
• Workshops on labour rights and social protection
• Release of policy reports and labour statistics
• Social media campaigns amplifying workers’ voices
• Community-level programmes addressing migrant worker concerns

The day also serves as a platform for domestic workers to share personal experiences, demand legislative reforms, and highlight the need for safer, more equitable working environments.

Policy Developments and Legislative Responses

Several countries have implemented reforms inspired by ILO Convention 189. Legislative measures vary by region but often include mandatory written contracts, inclusion of domestic workers within labour law frameworks, minimum wage enforcement, and compulsory registration of domestic employment relationships.
Examples of policy developments in different regions include:

• Introduction of standardised employment contracts for domestic workers
• Legal recognition of domestic work as an occupation eligible for social insurance
• Establishment of grievance redressal systems and helplines
• Regulation of recruitment agencies to prevent exploitation

While progress has been uneven, the observance continues to play a crucial role in encouraging governments to adopt and enforce protective legislation.

Challenges Faced by Domestic Workers

Despite international advocacy, domestic workers still confront numerous challenges that hinder their welfare and professional security. Key issues include:

• Informal work arrangements with little regulatory oversight
• Long working hours without adequate rest or overtime pay
• Privacy barriers that complicate inspection of workplace conditions
• Lack of access to healthcare, maternity benefits, and social security
• Vulnerability to harassment, wage theft, and forced labour
• Limited collective bargaining power due to the isolated nature of the work

These challenges illustrate the need for continued policy reforms and stronger institutional support.

Importance and Continuing Relevance

International Domestic Workers Day underscores the significance of domestic work in contemporary societies where households increasingly depend on paid household labour for childcare, elder care, and daily household management. As demographic changes, urbanisation, and rising female workforce participation intensify the demand for domestic services, ensuring decent working conditions becomes a matter of social justice as well as economic necessity.