Government prioritizes decent work and social protection

The Ivorian administration has reaffirmed its dedication to elevating domestic work from an informal, unregulated field into a recognized profession with full labor rights and protections. During a landmark event in Abidjan-Cocody, Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Social Security Studies and Development, outlined the government’s roadmap for sector transformation.

The occasion marked the inaugural DOMEX Awards, an initiative designed to honor excellence in domestic services while pushing forward the formalization agenda. Aligned with the International Labour Organization’s decent work principles, the ceremony coincided with the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention 189, which Ivory Coast ratified in April 2025 and brought into force this year.

From precarity to professionalism

“For decades, domestic workers have operated in the shadows of informality, denied basic social protections and vulnerable to exploitation,” Grah emphasized. “Today, we are turning the page.” The government’s strategy includes comprehensive reforms such as a national sector study conducted in 2024, development of ten standardized training and certification programs in 2025, and ongoing drafting of a dedicated regulatory framework featuring standardized contracts, professional classifications, and fair wage scales.

Industry stakeholders unite for change

Noëlie Kotty, National Coordinator of the AGRIDOM project, representing the ILO Country Director, praised Ivory Coast’s progress. “Ratifying Convention 189 and advancing these reforms demonstrates real leadership. The DOMEX Awards are not just a celebration—they are a catalyst for systemic change.”

Annick Désirée Dogba, Founder and President of the Domestic Workers Association, voiced the sector’s urgent needs: “We are fighting for dignity. Workers still face daily hardships—excessive hours, low pay, and no job security. This recognition must translate into real improvements.”

The ceremony brought together representatives from the Employers’ Federation of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), trade unions including DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and hundreds of domestic workers, all united by a shared vision of a fairer, more transparent sector.