Latest Updates
Africa: Domestic Workers & ILO Convention 189: Making it Real
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 15, 2019 05:15 PMMillions of women work long hours, in dangerous conditions, for little pay. They are fighting for change, with the help of ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers. Watch this video to learn how.
Qatar: Domestic workers celebrating the International Domestic Workers' Day for the first time
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 19, 2019 11:08 PMInternational Domestic Workers Day was celebrated in Doha, Qatar, on 14 June 2019. The event was organized by the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA), in close cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Project Office for the State of Qatar, and the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF).
ILC108: June 16 International Domestic Workers Day in Geneva marks by a strong message to governments to support an ILO Convention to stop gender-based violence against domestic workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Sep 09, 2019 11:21 AMDomestic workers from across the globe will share their stories of resilience and struggle to explain why an ILO convention with a recommendation is critical to help them to put end to gender-based violence. The event will be a great opportunity for all, including governments, employers, trade unionists and advocates, to interact and learn from domestic workers themselves about their victories and challenges from Asia, Latin America, and Africa to Europe.
ILC108: "Our plea is that we need a Convention but a great Convention with very strong Recommendations!"
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 19, 2019 05:40 PM"We call on all of you, use your mind and hour heart when you debate and let us assure that all lives matter and all need protection in the world of work."
Cyprus: Letter to President Nicos Anastasiades - Murder of Migrant Domestic Workers and Girls in Cyprus
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 20, 2019 09:39 PM"Mr. President, we ask you to take concrete action to recognize domestic workers including migrant domestic workers as full-fledged workers and protect them with legal rights, ratify the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and take concrete measures to stop all acts of violence, discrimination and xenophobia against migrants and against women."
Informal Economy Podast: Social Protection #05 Domestic Workers and Violence at the workplace
— by IDWFED — last modified Oct 31, 2019 05:26 PMTo help us understand more about the implications of this issue for domestic workers and the intersectionality between gender and work status – and the role of social protection in addressing this problem – we invite Adriana Paz.
Paraguay: In solidarity with the domestic workers of Paraguay - Paying below the minimum wage is also a form of violence in the workplace!
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 11, 2019 10:11 PMWe urge the Parliament of Paraguay to approve the Law 5407 with the right to 100% of the minimum wage, and that it respects its national and international commitments. No to inequalities, not to discriminations! National minimum wage now!
ILC108: "Use your voices, Support the ILO Convention!"
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 19, 2019 05:34 PMMyrtle Witbooi, IDWF President spoke at the ILC108 on June 10, 2019.
ILC108: Vulnerable workers bringing important perspective on violence and harassment to International Labour Conference in Geneva
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 10, 2019 03:28 PMOver 61% of the world’s workers work in the informal economy, yet they have the least protection against violence and harassment at work. They'll be bringing their important perspective on violence and harassment to this year's International Labour Conference in Geneva.
Global: Our Support - Stop Gender-based Violence at Work!
— by IDWFED — last modified Jun 05, 2019 11:10 PMWe support the campaign of "Stop Gender-based Violence at Work, for an ILO convention against Violence and Harassment in the Workplace!"
Asia: Meeting Statement for May Day - Support ILO Convention, "Ending Violence and Harassment in the World of Work"
— by Fish Ip — last modified May 02, 2019 05:04 PMIDWF Affiliates got together on the Eve of May Day 2019 and take Petition to Asian governments to demand for support of an International Labour Convention "Ending Violence and Harassment in the World of Work!!"
Global: A Worldwide Movement for Domestic Workers
— by IDWFED — last modified May 24, 2019 12:40 PMIn Hong Kong and throughout the world, domestic workers are creating a political movement to ensure that they can do their important work without sacrificing their rights or human dignity.
Malaysia: Reject Court’s Decision to Drop Murder Charge against Adelina Sau’s Employer
— by IDWFED — last modified May 05, 2019 04:54 PMApproaching the International Labour Day on May 1st, the Indonesia-Malaysian civil society coalition believes that both countries must enact a law to bring an end to the acts of violence, persecution and torture.
Global: For an ILO Convention Ending Violence and Harassment in the World of Work
— by IDWFED — last modified Mar 08, 2019 10:20 PMOn the International Women's Day 2019, a letter from the IDWF President and General Secretary addressing the coming key actions on the ILO Convention Ending Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.
Brazil: Letter of support and solidarity from IDWF to President Lula
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 25, 2019 01:47 PM"Reaffirming our commitment to solidarity with your struggle, the struggle of the Brazilian people, and particularly with our domestic workers comrades, we send this message of strength and solidarity to remind you that neither you nor the working people of Brazil are alone."
Philippines/Hong Kong: My Second Home - Migrant Domestic Workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 25, 2019 02:07 PMInterview of Angelyne Hernandez, Trainee of DGBBW project and Research Team Member, PLUHK.
Philippines: From exploited to empowered - Novelita Palisoc
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 19, 2019 01:05 AMNovelita Palisoc had no choice but to become a domestic worker. Over the years, she experienced mistreatment & abuse. But her inspiring strength allowed her to fight back & take the lead of a prominent union.
USA: Why Every Woman Should See Roma
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 08, 2019 04:21 PMThe film is a win for domestic workers. NDWA's Ai-jen Poo and Alicia Garza reflect on the movie and how it is a must-see for women from all walks of life.
Global: New year message from Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President
— by IDWF Daphne — last modified Dec 31, 2018 12:48 PMGratitude to all who contributed to IDWF in 2018 & New year message for 2019
The IDWF Second Congress – a Snapshot
— by IDWFED — last modified Dec 19, 2018 03:40 PMThe four days were packed with speeches, group work (formal and informal), slogans, voting, laughter, singing, dancing, photo-taking and eating, among others. To most of us, it was a great success, as it has filled us with inspiration, spirit and concrete ideas to move on. We thank those who have supported this Congress in their own ways – by taking notes, interpreting into many languages, providing funds and so on. Without this support we would not have come this far.
Emergency Resolution 2: On Solidarity with the Working Class in Brazil
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 29, 2019 04:11 PMThe second Congress of the IDWF passed an emergency resolution on solidarity with the working class in Brazil.
Emergency Resolution 1: In support of Central American migrants and condemning the US government border militarization
— by IDWFED — last modified Jan 25, 2019 12:07 AMThe second Congress of the IDWF passed an emergency resolution in support of the migrants from Central America who have reached the Mexico-US border.
Congress of International Domestic Workers Elects Its Leaders – Re-elections of Myrtle Witbooi as President and Elizabeth Tang as General Secretary
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 21, 2018 01:53 PMAs songs of solidarity rang out from Cape Town’s historical building of social justice, Community House, the International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) elected its leadership for the next five years.
Interview with Judith Hinds, Vice-President of NUDE, Trinidad & Tobago
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 20, 2018 01:47 PMInterview with Judith Hinds, Vice-President of NUDE, Trinidad & Tobago
News: Domestic worker unions urged to organise migrant workers
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 17, 2018 06:30 PMDomestic worker unions and organisations have gathered in Cape Town to talk about improving the working and living conditions of domestic workers around the world.
News: Domestic workers’ congress begins in SA
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 17, 2018 02:37 PMBangladeshi activists to push for protection of domestic workers
News: Global Domestic Workers’ Congress Begins in South Africa
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 17, 2018 02:37 PMA four-day global congress of the International Domestic Workers Federation began at Cape Town in South Africa on Friday with call to address discrimination against domestic workers and protect them with developing rights-based framework.
South Africa: "Let us look forward to the next five years. Let us never forget the struggle. Together We will overcome so much more!"
— by IDWFED — last modified Dec 19, 2018 03:48 PMPresident Address by Myrtle Witbooi on November 16, first day of the 2nd IDWF Congress.
TV Show: Domestic Workers - Their role in the Economy and Organising
— by IDWFED — last modified Nov 17, 2018 07:02 PMWatch our sisters on the Workers’ World Weekly Labour TV Show 2018 (recorded) on Nov 15.
Ghana: You sing when you wash when there is happiness in the home
— by IDWFED — last modified Mar 21, 2019 12:10 PMInterview with Esther Kosi, General Secretary of DSWU, Ghana