Manual for Domestic Workers: Organizing a Better - Inclusive Cities

Domestic workers must be recognised as workers that are integral to the
economic activity of society because of the nature of their domestic work,
which allows for household owners to take up employment outside their homes.
However their vulnerability lies in their invisibility and alienation from other
workers. Without formal unions to represent them, abuse and exploitation in
the workplace in terms of work hours, wages and rest periods are considerably
higher than workers in other formal sectors. Most domestic workers are women
as household work is traditionally attributed as women’s work. Existing cultural,
religious and sexual discrimination against women makes these domestic
workers more vulnerable to cruel punishment and violence.
This manual aims to assist the leaders of domestic worker groups to come
out of a powerless situation by embracing the strength of the domestic worker
organisation (DWO) or union. It is an empowering process to be involved in
the union’s or organisation’s struggle for recognition of her contribution to
the economy. The situation of domestic workers can be improved by building
solidarity and strengthening the organisation’s or union’s capabilities.
Any part of this newsletter may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form
in its entirety so long as the Committee for Asian Women is acknowledged and
where the graphics are used, credit is given to the graphic designers.
This manual would be available in Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia and Tamil.