The Ivorian government has renewed its dedication to professionalizing and structuring domestic work, a sector that plays a vital role in the national economy and the daily lives of countless households.
This commitment was emphasized by Maurice Grah, the deputy director of Social Security Studies and Development, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Professional Training. The statement was made in Abidjan-Cocody on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the inaugural DOMEX Awards ceremony, held in conjunction with the International Day of Domestic Workers.
Launched by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agency Actors (AIAEP), the DOMEX Awards 2026 aim to bolster national initiatives for professionalizing the domestic sector. This aligns with the principles of decent work championed by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ceremony 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.
“For a long time, domestic work has been insufficiently recognized and largely informal, leaving many workers vulnerable and without social protection,” Maurice Grah stated.
He reiterated that the government has designated decent work, social inclusion, and the expansion of social protection as national priorities. This resolve was demonstrated by the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now ensures domestic workers receive the same fundamental rights as other employees.
With support from the ILO and social partners, several measures have already been implemented. These include a comprehensive national study on the sector in 2024, the creation of ten training and certification standards in 2025, and ongoing efforts to establish a specific regulatory framework. This framework will feature a standard employment contract, a professional classification system, and a salary scale consistent with decent work standards.
According to the representative for Minister Adama Kamara, these actions reflect the government’s determination to bring about lasting improvements in the living and working conditions for everyone in the sector.
Speaking for the ILO Country Director, Noëlie Kotty, the national coordinator for the AGRIDOM project, applauded the ratification of Convention No. 189 and the progress made in formalizing the sector. She described the DOMEX Awards as a significant opportunity to highlight the contributions of domestic workers while advocating for their rights.
Annick Désirée Dogba, founder and president of the Association of Household Staff, also spoke, calling for an enhancement of working conditions for domestic employees. “We want our situation to change, because we still face many difficulties in this field,” she expressed.
This first edition of the DOMEX Awards brought together representatives from the CGECI, trade unions including DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and a large number of domestic workers.
