Centering Reward and Representation for Domestic Workers in the Care Economy

In June 2024, the ILO’s Member States, employers’ and workers’ organizations adopted the Resolution concerning decent work and the care economy, which, for the first time, demonstrated tripartite and international adoption of the 5R framework, to reduce, recognize and redistribute unpaid care work, while rewarding and ensuring the representation of paid care workers. While targeting the first three Rs is crucial, omission of the last two will prevent the achievement of gender equality and decent work for all. Centring reward and representation for domestic workers within this framework is the key to addressing labour market shortages, improving working conditions and reaching critical gender equality targets.