Côte d’Ivoire: advancing domestic work professionalization and worker rights

The Ivorian government has recently reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to advancing the professionalization and formalization of domestic work, a sector that plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economy and supports countless households daily.

Representing the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, Maurice Grah, the sub-director for Studies and Development of Social Security, reiterated this commitment on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Abidjan-Cocody. His remarks were made during the inaugural DOMEX Awards, an event held in conjunction with the International Domestic Workers’ Day.

The DOMEX Awards 2026, an initiative spearheaded by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agencies (AIAEP), are designed to bolster national efforts aimed at professionalizing and formalizing the domestic sector. This aligns perfectly with the principles of decent work advocated by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event also commemorated the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which officially came into force in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026, following its ratification in April 2025.

“For an extended period, domestic work remained largely unrecognized and predominantly informal, leaving many workers vulnerable to precarious conditions and lacking social protection,” Maurice Grah emphasized.

He further highlighted that the government has prioritized decent work, social inclusion, and the expansion of social protection. This commitment materialized through the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now guarantees domestic workers the same fundamental rights as other employees.

With crucial backing from the ILO and social partners, several key actions have already been implemented. These include a comprehensive national study on the sector in 2024, the development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025, and ongoing work towards establishing a specific regulatory framework. This framework will encompass a standard contract, professional classification, and a salary scale consistent with decent work principles.

According to the representative of Minister Adama Kamara, these initiatives underscore the government’s resolve to sustainably enhance the living and working conditions for those involved in the sector.

Speaking on behalf of the ILO Country Director, Noëlie Kotty, who serves as the national coordinator for the AGRIDOM project, commended the ratification of Convention No. 189 and the notable progress achieved in formalizing the sector. She posited that the DOMEX Awards offer a significant opportunity to celebrate the contributions of domestic workers while simultaneously strengthening the advocacy for their rights.

Meanwhile, Annick Désirée Dogba, founder and president of the Association of Household Personnel, issued a heartfelt plea for improved working conditions for domestic employees. “We aspire for our situation to change, as we continue to face numerous challenges within this environment,” she stated.

This inaugural edition of the DOMEX Awards brought together prominent representatives from the CGECI, various trade union organizations, including DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and a substantial number of domestic workers themselves.