On June 16, 2011, the world’s domestic workers and their supporters achieved a major step forward in extending worker and human rights. On that day, representatives of governments, employers and trade unions, meeting at the annual International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland, voted for a new Convention to protect the world’s domestic workers.

This booklet outlines the how Convention C189 was achieved and the lessons that can be learnt for others who wish to promote a global society based on equality, justice, respect and rights for all. In particular, this booklet focuses on and celebrates the role of domestic workers themselves and that of their organizations as the fundamental players in making their own history.