Côte d’Ivoire advances professionalization of domestic work sector
The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its dedication to professionalizing and formalizing the domestic work sector, a vital component of the national economy and daily life for countless households.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Studies and Social Security Development, highlighted this commitment during the inaugural DOMEX Awards on June 16, 2026, in Abidjan-Cocody. The event coincided with the International Domestic Workers’ Day.
Organized by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agencies (AIAEP), the DOMEX Awards 2026 aim to bolster national efforts in professionalizing and formalizing the domestic work sector, aligning with the decent work principles set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ceremony also commemorated the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which Côte d’Ivoire ratified in April 2025 and implemented in 2026.
« For years, domestic work has remained underrecognized and largely informal, leaving many workers vulnerable to precarity and lacking social protection, » Grah emphasized.
He noted that the government has prioritized decent work, social inclusion, and expanding social protection. This commitment is evident in the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now ensures domestic workers enjoy the same fundamental rights as other employees.
With support from the ILO and social partners, significant strides have been made, including a 2024 national sector study, the development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025, and ongoing efforts to adopt a dedicated regulatory framework. This framework will include standardized contracts, professional classifications, and salary grids in line with decent work standards.
Adama Kamara, representing the minister, underscored that these initiatives reflect the government’s resolve to sustainably enhance the living and working conditions of domestic workers.
Noëlie Kotty, ILO Country Director’s representative and National Coordinator of the AGRIDOM project, praised the ratification of Convention No. 189 and the progress in formalizing the sector. She described the DOMEX Awards as a pivotal opportunity to recognize the contributions of domestic workers while advocating for their rights.
Annick Désirée Dogba, Founder and President of the Domestic Workers’ Association, called for improved working conditions. « We urgently need change, as many still face significant challenges in this field, » she stated.
The inaugural DOMEX Awards brought together representatives from the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), trade unions like DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and numerous domestic workers.
