A panel discussion on the challenges of domestic workers, social protection needs and their rights, during the June 15 event. Supplied
Oxfam and the Independent Democratic Association of the Informal Economy (IDEA) marked this year’s June 15 International Domestic Workers Day with an event which aimed to advocate for enhanced social protections and decent work conditions for domestic workers in Cambodia.
Themed “Social Protection and Decent Work for Domestic Workers”, the event brought together approximately 250 participants, including domestic workers, unpaid caregivers, employers, senior citizens, people with disabilities, street vendors, delivery workers and government representatives, to discuss challenges and propose policy solutions.
According to a joint press release, the forum highlighted the critical yet often overlooked role of domestic workers in Cambodia’s economy. Citing a 2019 International Labour Organization (ILO) report, it said domestic workers globally number 75.6 million, with 76.2% of them women.
In Cambodia, domestic workers perform essential tasks like cooking, cleaning, childcare and eldercare but face significant vulnerabilities, including low wages, excessive workloads and risks of violence and trafficking. Limited research and the absence of specific legal protections exacerbate their plight.
“Investing in women’s protection services and social protection for domestic workers means that Cambodia promotes equal rights for domestic workers so that they receive social protection and invest in their potentials to contribute to driving Cambodia’s economy,” noted Sophorn Phean, Oxfam national director.
She underscored the need for public and policymaker recognition to include domestic workers in social protection schemes, aligning with Cambodia’s ambition to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030.
The release stated that despite some progress, such as the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training’s Prakas No. 235 in 2018, Cambodia has not ratified ILO Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
Current laws lack specificity for domestic workers, particularly cross-border and child workers, and fail to provide clear employment contracts or capacity-building mechanisms.
“Domestic workers are of equal value with other workers and, therefore, shall have equal rights to benefits from social protection systems and services and freedom of association, which ensures that they are also able to receive the same benefits as other workers in Cambodia and they should not be left behind,” said IDEA president Vorn Pov.
The two NGOs called for the ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 and the implementation of robust measures to protect domestic workers’ rights. Such steps are seen as vital to achieving Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals and long-term economic aspirations.
