Sarah Betancourt is a journalist based in New York, United States of America.

Massachusetts Domestic Workers' Law Underused and Unknown, Study Finds

12 Jan 2023  |  GBH  |  English  |  Domestic Workers' Protections

The Massachusetts Domestic Workers Bill of 2014, designed to protect domestic workers from labor abuses, is underutilized and poorly known among workers and employers, a study by the Brazilian Worker Center and Boston College Law Civil Rights Clinic reveals. The study, which surveyed 205 domestic workers and 124 employers, found that a significant majority lacked knowledge of the law, and many workers did not receive basic rights such as overtime pay and written contracts. The report highlights the challenges in enforcing the law, including the difficulty in identifying employers who often pay under the table. The attorney general’s office has received few complaints relative to the likely number of violations. Advocates are calling for increased education, enforcement, and legal changes to improve the situation. The report was announced in a Zoom meeting on January 12, 2023, where domestic worker Erika Souza shared her experience with the Brazilian Worker Center assisting her in recouping wages.

Tags:

Domestic Workers' Protections Labor Rights Legal Enforcement Worker Exploitation

Lassana Cassama is a journalist based in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau: Eight out of ten domestic workers are abused

31 Aug 2024  |  www.voaportugues.com  |  Portuguese  |  Abuse of Domestic Workers

The National Association for the Protection of Domestic Workers in Guinea-Bissau reports that eight out of ten domestic workers face abuse and sexual harassment, primarily by public officials. Sene Bacai Cassamá, the organization's president, highlights the slow judicial response to reported cases. Fodé Mané, a jurist, attributes the situation to the lack of labor protection, noting the absence of contracts, work schedules, and regular breaks for domestic workers.

Tags:

Abuse of Domestic Workers Human Rights

Interpretive

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Nicole Di Ilio is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.
Her work focuses on conflicts, radicalism, migrations, and marginalized groups. Her writing has appeared in Sky, Al Jazeera, Al Monitor, New Lines Magazine, VICE, among other publications. In recent years, she has been on the ground covering ...

Slaves of the Rich. 'Every Day 19 Hours of Work. Raped and Imprisoned at Home Without Documents'

11 Oct 2020  |  Il Fatto Quotidiano  |  Italian  |  Domestic Workers

The article highlights the severe exploitation and abuse faced by domestic workers under the kafala system in Lebanon. It narrates the harrowing experience of Mariema, a young woman from Sierra Leone, who endured 19-hour workdays, physical abuse, and sexual violence while being confined and stripped of her rights. The piece criticizes the ineffective reforms proposed by the Lebanese Ministry of Labor and underscores the need for rigorous enforcement mechanisms. It also features insights from activists and researchers who emphasize the systemic nature of this modern-day slavery and the urgent need for comprehensive legal protections for migrant workers.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Human Rights Exploitation

Opinionated

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

I'm a multimedia reporter and writer. I have covered social change, conflict and rights in more than ten countries across the Middle East and Europe while based out of London, Rome and the West Bank.

I'm experienced across all aspects of digital journalism - from filing breaking news to ...

The domestic workers fleeing modern slavery in the UK

08 Sept 2020  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Domestic Workers

The article highlights the plight of domestic workers in the UK, focusing on the experiences of individuals like Florence, who fled abusive conditions under diplomatic employers. It discusses the challenges posed by the UK's immigration policies, particularly the 'tied visa' system, which critics argue perpetuates conditions akin to the kafala system. Organizations like the Filipino Domestic Workers’ Association and Kalayaan are portrayed as crucial support networks for these workers. The article also examines the broader issue of modern slavery, the difficulties in prosecuting offenders, and the need for policy reforms to protect vulnerable workers.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Modern Slavery Immigration

Interpretive

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Center-Left

Political View

Justin Heifetz is a freelance journalist in France with more than a decade of experience in reporting, writing and editing.

Based out of Marseille, he covers news and social affairs with a focus on immigration, crime and human rights.

His work can be found in VICE, CNN, Anthony Bourdain: ...

Inside the Dubious Schools Training Filipina Women for Domestic Work Overseas

12 Apr 2017  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Migrant Workers

The article explores the training schools in the Philippines that prepare Filipina women for domestic work overseas, particularly in Hong Kong. It highlights the high demand for these jobs due to better pay abroad, despite the risks of exploitation and abuse. The Philippine government's Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) accredits training centers, but many women incur significant debt before even starting work. The article details the rigorous training process, the financial burdens, and the challenges faced by domestic workers, including illegal fees charged by employment agencies. Personal stories of women preparing to work abroad underscore the hope and desperation driving this migration.

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Domestic Work Migrant Workers Labor Exploitation

Interpretive

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Joe Henley is a journalist based in Taipei City, Taiwan with over a decade of experience working in print, television, and online media.

Domestic slavery, Maid in Taiwan

01 Apr 2023  |  www.taipeitimes.com  |  English  |  Domestic Slavery

The article by Joe Henley discusses the plight of domestic workers in Taiwan, focusing on the experiences of Filipino workers who face long hours, physical and sexual abuse, and have little legal protection. Ruby Comida and other migrant workers are highlighted, sharing their stories of abuse and exploitation by employers and brokers. The article details how workers are trapped in a cycle of debt, paying high fees to brokers and agencies, and how the legal system in Taiwan fails to protect them adequately. It also covers the efforts of advocacy groups like Migranteng Kababaihan sa Taiwan (MKT) and individuals like Lennon Wong from the Serve the People Association, who are working to raise awareness and help migrant workers fight for their rights. The article touches on the upcoming One Billion Rising event in Taipei, which aims to highlight the exploitation of female migrant workers globally.

Tags:

Migrant Workers' Rights Domestic Slavery Human Trafficking Labor Exploitation

Lebon Kasamira is a freelance journalist, researcher and consultant in digital communication based in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Domestic workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are campaigning for better working conditions

16 Mar 2022  |  Equal Times  |  English  |  Domestic Workers

Domestic workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often working without formal contracts and facing exploitation, are campaigning for better working conditions through the Union des Femmes Domestiques du Congo (UFEDOC). The organization, founded by former domestic workers, aims to reduce exploitation and ensure sustainable development by advocating for the ratification of ILO Convention 189. The article highlights the challenges faced by domestic workers, including lack of legal protection, unpaid overtime, and withheld wages, and underscores the importance of formalizing their employment to protect their rights.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Labor Rights Working Conditions

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Lovemore Khomo is a journalist based in Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi.
I understand that the world is in our hands and there is need to work together and make a difference to people lives.
I have been working with Farm Radio International Weekly also known as Barza Wire farmradio.fm as a ...

ActionAid engages Domestic Workers on 16 Days of Activism against GBV

12 Dec 2023  |  Malawi Voice  |  English  |  Domestic Workers

ActionAid Malawi raises concerns about gender-based violence faced by domestic workers, emphasizing the economic challenges that compel them to endure such conditions. During a meeting at Bingu Upper Stadium in Lilongwe, Policy Coordinator Tusayiwe Sikwese highlighted the need for awareness and reporting mechanisms. Gender Rights Activist Jessie Ching’oma and Deputy Director of Gender Ronald Phiri acknowledged the issue, with Ching’oma committing to ongoing activism. Law Commission's Robert Kandulu noted the lack of specific protective laws for domestic workers, advising them to use existing unions for support. Domestic worker Bertha Mateyu shared her experiences of abuse and exploitation.

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Domestic Workers Gender Based Violence Activism

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Looking for an experienced freelance journalist, content marketing writer or copywriter?

Do you need good articles​, content marketing stories, blogs or advertorials for your magazine or other publication?

Or would you like newsletters, press releases, white papers, case studies​ or other ...

Kuwait opens shelter for ‘runaway maids’

10 Nov 2014  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Migrant Workers

Kuwait has opened a new government-run shelter for 'runaway maids' to address the abuse faced by domestic workers. The shelter, which can house up to 500 women, aims to provide a safer environment for those escaping abusive employers. Despite these efforts, activists criticize the shelters as detention centers, and many workers remain unaware of their legal rights. The Kuwaiti government, along with the Gulf Cooperation Council, is considering adopting a standard contract to improve working conditions for domestic workers. The kafala system, which ties workers to their employers, remains a significant issue, with some employers illegally confiscating workers' passports.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Migrant Workers Human Rights

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Pankti Mehta is a journalist based in Mumbai, India. She covers social issues, health, culture, food, travel, higher education and start-ups. She previously worked with the Hindustan Times, and holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London.

Meet the new-age Indian bai, who now accepts all sorts of assignments, right from cleaning and cooking to babysitting and eldercare, via an app on her smartphone.

21 Feb 2016  |  Hindustan Times  |  English  |  Technology in Domestic Services

The article discusses the transformation of domestic help services in India through the advent of mobile apps like Taskbob, MyDidi.in, BookMyBai, and MrRight.in. These platforms offer professional and on-demand services for maids, cooks, babysitters, and handymen, aiming to solve the problem of finding reliable domestic help. They also focus on improving the lives of domestic workers by providing better pay, insurance, and training. The article highlights the benefits for both the workers, who gain financial independence and respect, and the customers, who receive professional services. The success of these startups is evident in their growing customer base and revenue, indicating a shift towards organized and professional domestic help services in urban India.

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Professional Development of Domestic Workers Technology in Domestic Services Mobile App Services for Home Assistance

Kimberly Mutandiro is a journalist based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Union criticises employers for not registering domestic workers with UIF. But it’s not so simple

26 Nov 2024  |  Bizcommunity  |  English  |  Domestic Workers Rights

Four years after the Constitutional Court's Mahlangu ruling, domestic workers in South Africa still face challenges accessing compensation and unemployment benefits. Despite legal amendments and awareness campaigns, many employers have not registered domestic workers with the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (Coida) or the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). The United Domestic Workers of South Africa (Udwosa) and other organizations criticize the Department of Labour for inadequate enforcement and a problematic UIF registration system. Workers fear job loss if they demand registration, and some face difficulties due to system inefficiencies and permit verification issues.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Rights Employment Law Social Justice

Balanced

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Left

Political View

Louisa Reynolds is a freelance journalist and translator based in Guatemala. Although Guatemala is the main focus of her work, she has done reporting trips to Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Panama and Belize.
She has done live interviews for CNN, Radio France International, Monocle News Daily,...

Guatemalan Domestic Workers Reveal a Dirty Business

19 May 2015  |  Truthout  |  English  |  Domestic Workers' Conditions

The article tells the story of Fidelia Castellanos, a domestic worker in Guatemala City, who faced severe abuse and discrimination throughout her career. Despite the hardships, she is determined to improve conditions for domestic workers in Guatemala, where labor unionism is weak. Castellanos founded the Domestic and Independent Workers’ Union (Sitradomsa) to support her cause. The article also discusses the case of Candelaria Acabal, an indigenous woman who suffered extreme abuse by her employer. Efforts like the Guatemalan Institute of Social Security's Precapi program have been made to improve conditions, but with limited success. Advocates are pushing for Guatemala to ratify the International Labor Organization Convention 189, which ensures better treatment for domestic workers. The article highlights the contrast between Guatemala and other Latin American countries that have ratified the convention and are making progress in protecting domestic workers' rights.

Tags:

Social Security for Domestic Workers Domestic Workers' Conditions Labor Rights Human Rights Unionization International Labor Standards

Tish is a freelance print and online journalist based in Mumbai, India. 

She writes on current affairs, politics, business and social issues and has had bylines published in Al Jazeera,  Bloomberg, Business Standard and more. 

She is also available for video and radio projects.

Tish is a ...

Zecharias Zelalem is a journalist focusing on Ethiopian affairs and the Horn of Africa as a whole.

Ethiopia strands its citizens in Lebanon by tripling price of repatriation

11 Jun 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Domestic Workers

Ethiopia has increased the cost of repatriation for its citizens in Lebanon to $1,450, including flights and mandatory quarantine, making it difficult for many stranded Ethiopian domestic workers to return home. Ethiopian Airlines, the sole carrier, includes quarantine costs in the fare, which has led to criticism from workers and activists. The economic crisis in Lebanon has exacerbated the situation, with many domestic workers losing their jobs or having their salaries withheld. The Ethiopian government previously provided free quarantine facilities but now charges for hotel stays, further complicating the repatriation process. NGOs like Egna Legna continue to support the workers, but the high costs have led to increased despair and mental health issues among the stranded workers.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Economic Crisis Repatriation

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I'm a journalist, photographer and videographer with 15 years of experience. I've worked for numerous international print and digital media: BBC, Mongabay Latam, Newsweek, Dnevnik, Lado B, among others. I'm fluent in English, Spanish and Slovenian. I've been awarded with the Mexican award Faces of ...

One Woman’s Fight to Change Mexico’s Domestic Labor Laws

06 Sept 2018  |  Unearth Women  |  English  |  Domestic Workers

Maria de Aquino, a domestic worker in Puebla, Mexico, represents the struggles faced by millions of domestic workers in the country who lack basic labor rights. Despite working long hours for minimal pay, many domestic workers do not receive medical insurance, vacation, or bonuses. Marcelina Bautista, a former domestic worker turned activist, has been advocating for labor rights for over 18 years. She founded the Center of Support and Training for Female Domestic Workers (CACEH) to educate and empower domestic workers. Despite some progress, Mexico's federal government has yet to ratify the International Labour Organization's Convention 189, which guarantees domestic workers' rights. Marcelina's efforts continue to focus on improving the current situation for domestic workers rather than waiting for legislative changes.

Tags:

Domestic Workers Labor Rights Activism

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View