I-7 Is there collaboration with other agencies of the United Nations System or other partners?
Yes
II-1 Justification of the initiative
Many domestic workers remain unaware of their rights and face barriers to fair treatment and protection under the law. The Domestic Workers Summit, held in October 2023, was organized to address this gap by raising awareness about recent amendments to South Africa’s Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), strengthening domestic workers’ organizations, and promoting the enforcement of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189). The summit also aimed to build knowledge on maternity protection, highlight the role of domestic workers in the care economy, tackle forced labour, and strengthen solidarity among workers. It further honoured Myrtle Witbooi, a leading champion of domestic workers’ rights.
II-10 Focus on other branches of economic activity
No sectoral focus
II-11 Focus on certain categories of enterprises or economic units according to their size
Medium enterprises
II-11 Focus on certain categories of enterprises or economic units according to their size
Not applicable
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Employees
II-12 Focus on specific status in employment
Workers not classifiable by status
II-13 Focus on other specific categories of workers and employers, not captured elsewhere
Domestic workers
II-13 Focus on other specific categories of workers and employers, not captured elsewhere
Nurses
II-13 Focus on other specific categories of workers and employers, not captured elsewhere
Workers in the informal economy
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Women
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Mothers
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
Migrants or forcibly displaced persons
II-14 Focus on specific groups of population / persons prioritized in the initiative
People living with HIV
II-15 Has the initiative been developed through effective social dialogue processes and inter-institutional coordination mechanisms?
Yes, inter-institutional coordination mechanisms
II-2 Objectives and description of the initiative
Education and Awareness: To educate domestic workers about COIDA and its amendments.Capacity Building: To strengthen domestic workers' organizations.Promotion of Decent Work: To enforce the principles of ILO C189 and other international standards.Advocacy and Campaigns: To develop advocacy plans and campaigns for 2024.Collaboration and Solidarity: To foster a culture of collaboration among domestic workers' organizations.
II-3 Type of initiative
Advocacy/campaign/awareness-raising
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Recognition, reduction and redistribution of unpaid care
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Reward care workers
II-4 Which of the Rs in the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work guides this initiative?
Representation of care workers
II-5 Which is the main policy area of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Care policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Employment policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Skills policies
II-6 Which other policy areas of the 5R Framework for Decent Care Work does the practice focus on?
Migration policies
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Promote employment and macroeconomic policies that create decent jobs in the care economy
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Formalization of informal care jobs and enterprises
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Addressing the undervaluation of care work by raising public awareness
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Preventing and addressing all forms of discrimination against care workers
II-7 Which policies or measures to advance decent work in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Ensuring effective access to labour protection and social security, including through labour inspection, for all care workers
II-8 Which beneficiaries in the care economy does the practice focus on?
Paid care workers (nurses, domestic workers, teachers, childcare workers, personal assistants, etc.)
II-9 Geographical scope
Urban and rural
III-1 In a short paragraph, summarize the main results and impacts obtained
The Domestic Workers Summit in October 2023 achieved significant results, including raising awareness about the recent Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) amendments, which now cover nearly a million domestic workers, predominantly women. The summit empowered domestic workers' organizations through education and capacity-building, promoting the enforcement of ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No.189). It also fostered collaboration among domestic workers' unions, leading to the development of advocacy plans for 2024. Additionally, the summit honoured Myrtle Witbooi's legacy, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and continuous advocacy for domestic workers' rights. These efforts collectively aimed to improve working conditions and social security for domestic workers in South Africa.
III-2 Explanation of the innovative element of the initiative for advancing decent work in the care economy
The innovative element of the Domestic Workers Summit lies in its comprehensive and inclusive approach. Unlike traditional methods that often focus solely on policy changes or legal amendments, this initiative integrates education, advocacy, and capacity-building for domestic workers. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing the recent amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA), ensuring that domestic workers are aware of their rights and how to claim them. Additionally, the summit fosters collaboration among various domestic workers' organizations, promoting solidarity and collective action. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate legal and economic needs but also aims to build a sustainable and empowered domestic workers' movement, ensuring long-term improvements in working conditions and social security. This contrasts with traditional approaches that may not fully engage workers or provide the necessary support for them to navigate and benefit from new policies.
IV-1 What were the main challenges or difficulties during the design and implementation? How were they faced/ addressed?
The main challenges during the design and implementation of the Domestic Workers Summit included:Awareness and education: Many domestic workers were unaware of their rights under the newly amended COIDA. To address this, the summit included comprehensive education sessions to inform workers about their rights and how to claim benefits.Engagement and participation: Ensuring active participation from domestic workers, especially those in remote areas, was challenging. The summit used a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual sessions, to maximize reach and engagement.Coordination among stakeholders: Coordinating between various unions, organizations, and government bodies required significant effort. Regular meetings and clear communication channels were established to ensure smooth collaboration.Resource constraints: Limited financial and logistical resources posed difficulties. The organizers sought support from various stakeholders, including international organizations like the ILO, to secure necessary funding and resources.Legal and policy barriers: Navigating the legal and policy landscape to implement changes was complex. The summit facilitated discussions with legal experts and policymakers to address these barriers and advocate for necessary reforms.
IV-2 Lessons learned and good practices, including room and opportunities for improvement
Lessons learnedComprehensive education and awareness: Educating domestic workers about their rights and recent legal amendments is crucial for empowerment. Conducting detailed sessions on COIDA and ILO C189 helped workers understand and utilize these laws effectively.Hybrid engagement model: Combining in-person and virtual participation maximizes reach and inclusivity. The hybrid format allowed domestic workers from various regions to participate, ensuring broader engagement.Collaboration and solidarity: Strong collaboration among unions, organizations, and government bodies is essential for impactful advocacy. Regular coordination meetings and clear communication channels facilitated effective collaboration.Tribute and motivation: Honouring key figures in the movement can inspire and motivate participants. Paying tribute to Myrtle Witbooi reinforced the importance of solidarity and continuous advocacy.Opportunities for ImprovementResource allocation: Limited financial and logistical resources. Seek additional funding and partnerships to ensure sustainable support for future initiatives.Legal and policy navigation: Complex legal and policy landscapes. Strengthen partnerships with legal experts and policymakers to streamline advocacy efforts and address barriers more effectively.Continuous engagement: Maintaining engagement and participation post-summit. Develop follow-up programs and regular check-ins to keep domestic workers informed and involved.Broader inclusion: Ensuring the inclusion of all domestic workers, especially those in remote areas. Expand virtual engagement strategies and provide more localized support to reach a wider audience.
IV-3 Key conditions for success
Strong collaboration among unions, organizations, and government bodies.
IV-4 Key conditions for sustainability
The sustainability of the Domestic Workers Summit initiative is significantly enhanced by its level of institutionalization. This initiative is supported by COSATU, a major trade union federation in South Africa, and involves collaboration with various domestic workers' unions and organizations. The summit's focus on the recent amendments to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) and the enforcement of ILO Convention No. 189 highlights its alignment with national laws and international standards. Additionally, the initiative benefits from government support, as seen in the ratification of relevant ILO conventions and the inclusion of domestic workers in national policies. The involvement of international organizations like the ILO further institutionalizes the initiative, providing a robust framework for advocacy, education, and policy implementation. This comprehensive approach ensures that the initiative is not a stand-alone effort but is integrated into broader institutional and governmental structures, promoting long-term sustainability and impact.
IV-5 Potential for transferability, expansion and replicability in other countries and contexts
The Domestic Workers Summit initiative has strong potential for transferability, expansion, and replicability in other countries because of the universal relevance of decent work for domestic workers.
V-2 Contact information of ILO focal point
Ida Tsitsi Chimedza, Technical Specialist on Gender equality, Non-discrimination & Inclusion ([email protected])