The Ivorian government has strongly reiterated its dedication to the professionalization and formalization of domestic employment, recognizing its pivotal role within the national economy and for countless households.

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

Conceived by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agencies (AIAEP), the DOMEX Awards 2026 are designed to bolster national initiatives aimed at professionalizing and formalizing the domestic sector. This aligns perfectly with the decent work principles championed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Notably, this event also commemorated the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which became effective in Côte d’Ivoire in 2026, following its ratification in April 2025.

Maurice Grah highlighted the historical challenges faced by the sector, stating, “For an extended period, domestic work remained insufficiently recognized and largely informal, leaving many workers vulnerable to precarious conditions and without social protection.”

He underscored the government’s commitment to making decent work, social inclusion, and the expansion of social protection national priorities. This dedication was concretely demonstrated through the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now ensures domestic workers are afforded the same fundamental rights as other salaried employees.

Supported by the ILO and various social partners, significant steps have already been taken. These include a comprehensive national study on the sector in 2024, the development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025, and ongoing efforts to establish a specific regulatory framework. This framework is set to encompass a standard contract, professional classification, and a salary scale, all designed to adhere to decent work principles.

These initiatives, according to the representative of Minister Adama Kamara, clearly demonstrate the government’s resolve to sustainably enhance the living and working conditions for all participants in this vital sector.

Speaking for the ILO Country Director, Noëlie Kotty, who serves as the national coordinator for the AGRIDOM project, commended the ratification of Convention No. 189 and acknowledged the substantial progress made in formalizing the sector. She emphasized that the DOMEX Awards represent a crucial opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions of domestic workers while simultaneously bolstering the advocacy for their rights.

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

The inaugural DOMEX Awards brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the CGECI, various trade unions such as DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and a significant number of domestic workers themselves.