Domestic workers are at the forefront of change in many countries, highlighted by the adoption of the Decent Work for Domestic Workers convention by the International Labor Organization, and the creation of the International Domestic Workers Federation. Yet this International Domestic Workers Day, 60 million of the estimated 67 million domestic workers do not enjoy social protections attainable through unions and worker associations.
Through our work in countries around the world, domestic workers have told us about their long working hours and poverty wages. Many have been subjected to violence and sexual abuse. Meanwhile, migrant domestic workers—who often leave behind their own children to care for others—try to support their families in countries where they do not speak the language and have little access to justice, if they are physically or otherwise abused.
On June 16, International Domestic Workers Day, we honor the women who make other people’s lives easier. This day, as every day, the Solidarity Center is committed to helping domestic workers attain safe and healthy workplaces, family-supporting wages, dignity on the job and greater equity at work and in their community.