Government prioritizes decent work in household employment sector
Côte d’Ivoire’s authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the domestic work sector—an essential component of the national economy and daily household operations—into a formalized, professionalized field. This pledge was prominently highlighted during the inaugural DOMEX Awards 2026 ceremony, held in Abidjan-Cocody on June 16.
DOMEX Awards 2026: A milestone for formalization
The event, organized by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agencies (AIAEP), aligns with the International Domestic Workers’ Day and marks 15 years since the adoption of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189. Côte d’Ivoire ratified this convention in April 2025, bringing its provisions into force in 2026, thereby guaranteeing domestic workers the same fundamental rights as other employees.
Government initiatives for sector transformation
Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Studies and Social Security Development, representing the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, emphasized the government’s dedication to decent work, social inclusion, and expanded social protection. He noted that the domestic work sector has long operated in precarious conditions, lacking recognition and protection.
Key milestones achieved include:
- A comprehensive 2024 national study on the domestic work sector;
- The development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025;
- Ongoing efforts to adopt a dedicated regulatory framework, including standardized contracts, professional classifications, and wage grids aligned with ILO standards.
Stakeholders unite for change
Noëlie Kotty, ILO Country Coordinator for the AGRIDOM project, commended Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in ratifying Convention No. 189 and formalizing the sector. She praised the DOMEX Awards as a vital platform to recognize the contributions of domestic workers and advocate for their rights.
Annick Désirée Dogba, Founder and Chair of the Domestic Workers’ Association, called for urgent improvements in working conditions, citing persistent challenges faced by employees in the sector.
The ceremony brought together representatives from the Council of Employers of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), trade unions like DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and domestic workers, underscoring broad-based support for reform.
