International Domestic Workers Federation

Definition

The International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF) is a global organization that represents domestic workers and advocates for their rights and protections. Established in 2013, the IDWF focuses on issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and recognition of domestic work as legitimate labor. This organization plays a crucial role in the fight for labor rights within a sector historically characterized by exploitation and invisibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The IDWF was founded in 2013 during the first global conference on domestic work, where representatives from domestic workers' organizations around the world gathered to address common issues.
2. One of the key achievements of the IDWF was advocating for the inclusion of domestic workers in the ILO's Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which was adopted in 2011.
3. The federation aims to empower domestic workers by providing training, resources, and support to help them organize and advocate for their rights at local, national, and international levels.
4. IDWF works with various stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, to promote policies that recognize domestic work as valuable labor deserving of protections and benefits.
5. The federation has expanded its reach to over 70 countries, representing millions of domestic workers globally and continuing to fight against discrimination and inequality in the workplace.

Review Questions

• How does the International Domestic Workers Federation support the rights of domestic workers around the world?
  • The International Domestic Workers Federation supports the rights of domestic workers by uniting organizations from various countries to advocate for better working conditions and fair wages. It provides resources, training, and support to empower workers to organize themselves. By working together, these organizations can influence policy changes at national and international levels to secure legal recognition and protections for domestic work.
• What role did the International Labour Organization play in advancing the rights of domestic workers, particularly in relation to the IDWF's efforts?
  • The International Labour Organization played a pivotal role in advancing the rights of domestic workers by adopting Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers in 2011. This landmark convention set international standards for fair treatment and protection of domestic workers, aligning with the IDWF's mission. The IDWF has actively used this convention as a tool to advocate for legislative changes across different countries, encouraging governments to ratify it and implement its provisions.
• Evaluate the impact of the International Domestic Workers Federation on global perceptions of domestic work as a profession.
  • The International Domestic Workers Federation has significantly impacted global perceptions of domestic work by promoting it as a legitimate profession deserving of respect and legal protections. Through advocacy campaigns and partnerships with various stakeholders, the IDWF has helped shift attitudes towards recognizing the critical contributions of domestic workers to households and economies worldwide. This change in perception is vital for achieving systemic improvements in wages, working conditions, and overall social status for millions of domestic workers globally.

Related terms

Domestic Work: A form of labor that includes various household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and caregiving, often performed by women, and historically undervalued and underprotected.

International Labour Organization (ILO): A United Nations agency that sets international labor standards and promotes social justice and fair labor practices worldwide, including the adoption of conventions relevant to domestic workers.

Workers' Rights: Legal, social, and economic rights that protect workers in their workplaces, ensuring fair treatment, safety, and equitable compensation.