The Ivorian government has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalizing and formalizing domestic work, a sector that plays a foundational role in the country’s economy and daily household operations.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training, Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Social Security Studies and Development, highlighted this commitment during the inaugural DOMEX Awards ceremony held in Abidjan-Cocody on June 16, 2026. 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 the nation’s efforts to professionalize and formalize domestic work, aligning with the decent work principles set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The event also commemorated the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which Ivory Coast adopted in 2026 following its ratification in April 2025.

« For decades, domestic work has remained undervalued and largely informal, leaving many workers vulnerable to exploitation and lacking access to social protections, » Grah emphasized.

He underscored that the government has prioritized decent work, social inclusion, and the extension of social protection as core national objectives. This commitment materialized through the ratification of Convention No. 189, ensuring domestic workers now enjoy the same fundamental rights as other employees.

With support from the ILO and social partners, substantial progress has been made, including a 2024 national study on the sector, 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 scales consistent with decent work standards.

According to Adama Kamara, representing the minister, these initiatives reflect the government’s resolve to enhance the living and working conditions of domestic workers sustainably.

Noëlie Kotty, ILO Country Director and National Coordinator of the AGRIDOM project, praised Ivory Coast’s ratification of Convention No. 189 and the strides made in formalizing the sector. She hailed the DOMEX Awards as a pivotal opportunity to recognize the contributions of domestic workers and promote their rights.

Annick Désirée Dogba, Founder and President of the Domestic Workers Association, called for urgent improvements in working conditions. « We demand tangible change, as our sector continues to face significant challenges, » she stated.

The inaugural DOMEX Awards brought together representatives from the Chamber of Commerce (CGECI), labor unions such as DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and domestic workers from across the country.