The Right to Unite: A Handbook on Domestic Worker Rights across Asia

This new resource tool is both an introduction to women and domestic work in Asia and an in depth look at the hidden violations of domestic worker rights in ten countries in the region.

Designed for advocacy, this handbook breaks down information country by country. It contains the latest ILO instruments on domestic work and analyses them in relation to women domestic worker rights. It identifies gaps, highlights concerns and gives concrete recommendations for change.

The Handbook includes sections on:

§  United for Foreign Domestic Worker Rights (UFDWR) joint statement and recommendations with list of endorsing organisations

§  An introduction to women and domestic work in Asia

§  The hidden violations of domestic worker rights

§  Gendered work

§  Protection through collective representation

§  National laws and trade union barriers to collective representation

§  In depth country by country analysis of 10 Asian countries

§  The proposed Convention and Recommendation on Domestic Work

§  Analysis of the proposed ILC Convention and Recommendation

“We are workers, we are not slaves.

Seven simple words, yet they encompass a powerful movement that is building in the Asia Pacific region. This mantra, adopted by domestic workers from Hong Kong to Sri Lanka encapsulates the struggle for the recognition of domestic worker’s rights, including the right to organise.

This handbook captures the contexts of 10 countries in the region in relation to domestic worker rights. It has been made possible by our collaborative efforts and the coordinating body of United for Foreign Domestic Worker’s Rights (UFDWR). Time and time again, we have proven that when amplified by our collectivity, our voices can foster change. It is our hope for this publication and it is the driving force behind our struggle for domestic worker rights to organise. The right to organise is the one right can unlock all the others; given the right to band together, we can create change, we can demand rights for all workers regardless of sector, gender or nationality. “

                -Eni Lestari, Excerpt from the Foreword of “The Right to Unite”