This fact sheet provides results from a survey completed in Kathmandu in 2019 with 70 domestic workers. Follow-up interviews were held with domestic worker leaders as the COVID-19 pandemic
- The unexpected lockdowns that started in March 2020 left domestic workers unable to collect their salaries.
- The government distributed food rations and provided subsidies on basic utilities, but no compensation for lost income.
- Without proof of citizenship/ voting card, or an employer recommendation, domestic workers struggled to access food rations provided by municipalities.
- Food packages were insufficient and only lasted 15-20 days.
- Domestic worker unions, HUN and GEFONT, undertook relief work.
Policy context
In Nepal, the right to work and social security is a constitutional right. Domestic workers are included in the Labour Act (2017), they remain unprotected by the provisions of the Social Security Act (2017) due to lack of implementation.
