By George M. O. Williams
Sierra Leone – August 22, 2025: The Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC), in partnership with the Sierra Leone Domestic Workers Union (SLeDoWU) and other stakeholders, has successfully concluded a three-day workshop focused on the implementation of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 189 and the promotion of decent work for migrant domestic workers.
Held at the Family Kingdom Resort in Freetown, the workshop was themed “ILO Convention 189 and Decent Work for Migrant Domestic Workers: Moving the Agenda Forward.” It forms part of an EU-funded initiative under the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa project, which runs until 2029. The project is jointly implemented by IOM, ILO, and ICMPD in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission.
ILO Convention 189, adopted in 2011, is a landmark treaty that seeks to ensure fair treatment, decent wages, and social protections for domestic workers—many of whom remain marginalized in labor systems. It also promotes gender equality and safeguards against exploitation.
Speaking at the workshop, ILO Officer-in-Charge Tonderai Manoto emphasized the centrality of social justice in achieving the convention’s goals.
“The rights of domestic workers are human rights. We must remain committed to social justice if we are to make meaningful progress,” he said.
Manoto also called for improved wages, working conditions, and stronger protections, particularly in Sierra Leone where domestic workers face heightened vulnerabilities.
Dr. Alves D’Almaola, ECOWAS Head of Division for Social Affairs, advocated for similar workshops across West Africa, noting their potential to transform the lives of domestic workers region-wide.
“This convention offers protection against poor wages, discrimination, and xenophobia,” he stated.
Acting Commissioner of Labour, Sinneh Bockarie, described the workshop as a critical first step in domesticating Convention 189 into Sierra Leone’s legal framework. He praised the collaborative effort in developing an action plan and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting migrant workers.
Executive Director of SLeDoWU, Chelcy Alma Heroe, highlighted the workshop’s role in fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and building the capacity of domestic workers’ organizations.
“Many domestic workers face vulnerability, frustration, and silence. This convention is our tool to change that,” she said.
Heroe urged participants to transform the workshop’s outcomes into concrete action, emphasizing the need to uphold dignity and responsiveness in employment practices.
“Let us commit ourselves to building systems that make domestic work a source of empowerment—not exploitation,” she concluded.
As Sierra Leone moves toward implementing Convention 189, the workshop marks a pivotal moment in advancing labor rights and protections for one of the country’s most overlooked workforces. With continued support from international partners and local stakeholders, the path toward decent work for all domestic workers is gaining momentum.