Domestic sector in DR Congo
This study analyses decent work in the domestic work sector in Kinshasa (provincial city), Kolwelzi (Lualaba Province) and Lubumbashi (Katanga).
This study aims to analyse and assess decent work in the domestic work sector in relation to the Decent Work and Social Protection project. It will also contribute to the development of strategies for the project’s implementation in the intervention areas, including the province city of Kinshasa, the city of Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, and the city of Kolwezi in Lualaba. The study has two main components: a baseline and endline study that will map agencies, associations, and other actors involved with domestic workers in the intervention zones, and measure the state of decent work using a tool developed by HIVA in the three areas. Furthermore, the findings from this study will be used to refine strategies and actions for the intervention through evidence-based social dialogue and to raise awareness among stakeholders about the program's relevance.
Key findings for the domestic work sector
The results show that, despite its propensity to absorb labour and its potential for development in an urban context of acute unemployment and job insecurity, the Congolese domestic work sector still faces many challenges that compromise the universality of decent work. Even if the market offers labour market security attesting to its viability and some level of fair treatment due to its inclusiveness, the underperformance observed in six of the eight areas undermines this performance. There are many shortcomings, particularly in the areas of job security, income security, work-life balance and well-being, and health and safety at work. The situation is particularly worrying when it comes to social protection and workers' voice and representation. They show mediocre evaluation scores reflecting the vulnerability and precariousness faced by workers in the sector. Social protection systems such as pensions, health insurance, redundancy pay and paid leave are extremely weak, suggesting increased vulnerability at the end of a career or in the event of breach of contract for those who have them. In addition, the informality that characterises the sector is a bottleneck that hinders workers' access to secure jobs.