The Ivorian government has renewed its pledge to professionalize and formalize the domestic work sector, a cornerstone of the national economy and daily household operations. During the inaugural DOMEX Awards ceremony in Abidjan-Cocody on June 16, 2026, Maurice Grah, Deputy Director of Studies and Development at the Social Security Ministry, emphasized this commitment while representing the Minister of Employment, Social Protection, and Vocational Training.

The DOMEX Awards 2026, organized by Aurée Services and the Ivorian Association of Private Employment Agencies (AIAEP), aim to advance the formalization of domestic work in alignment with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) decent work principles. The event coincides with the 15th anniversary of ILO Convention No. 189, which Côte d’Ivoire ratified in April 2025 and brought into force in 2026.

“For decades, domestic work has remained undervalued and largely informal, leaving many workers vulnerable and without social protections,” Grah stated. He highlighted the government’s prioritization of decent work, social inclusion, and expanding social protection, exemplified by the ratification of Convention No. 189, which now grants domestic workers the same fundamental rights as other employees.

With support from the ILO and social partners, significant strides have been made, including a 2024 national sector study, the development of ten training and certification frameworks in 2025, and ongoing efforts to adopt a dedicated regulatory framework featuring standardized contracts, professional classifications, and salary scales aligned with decent work standards.

Adama Kamara, representing the Minister, stressed that these initiatives reflect the government’s long-term vision to enhance the living and working conditions of domestic workers.

Noëlie Kotty, ILO Country Director and coordinator of the AGRIDOM project, praised Côte d’Ivoire’s ratification of Convention No. 189 and progress in formalizing the sector. She described the DOMEX Awards as a pivotal opportunity to recognize the contributions of domestic workers and advocate for their rights.

Annick Désirée Dogba, founder and president of the Domestic Workers’ Association, echoed these sentiments, calling for urgent improvements. “We urgently need change in our working conditions,” she asserted. “In this field, we still face numerous challenges.”

The DOMEX Awards 2026 brought together representatives from the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI), trade unions like DIGNITÉ, private employment agencies, and domestic workers themselves.