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Writer's pictureGood Housekeeping Africa

The role poverty plays on domestic workers


Domestic workers are a vital component of households in many parts of the world. They perform various tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and childcare. They work behind the scenes to ensure that households run smoothly. However, domestic workers are often among the most vulnerable workers in the world, and poverty is a significant factor that plays a role in their lives.

Poverty is a severe problem worldwide, affecting millions of people, and domestic workers are no exception. Many domestic workers live in poverty, with low wages, long hours, and little job security. Domestic workers are often employed in informal sectors, with no benefits, and no job security. Poverty often forces them to take jobs with no safety measures or minimum wage, and many times these jobs are exploitative and abusive.


The lack of formal protection for domestic workers often leaves them without access to social welfare and other benefits. Without any financial stability, they cannot afford healthcare, education, and other basic needs for themselves and their families. The poverty cycle continues, making it challenging for them to break free from the vicious cycle of low-paying jobs.


In many cases, domestic workers live in the same households where they work, which means they have to endure poor living conditions. They often have no access to a separate room, and they have to sleep in cramped spaces such as storerooms, corridors, or even on the floor. Living in such conditions, combined with long working hours and little pay, can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, and it can have a detrimental effect on their overall well-being.


Poverty also makes domestic workers more susceptible to exploitation and abuse. The lack of legal protection and support from the government makes it easier for employers to take advantage of them. Domestic workers can be subjected to verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, and in many cases, they have no means to fight back. They are often afraid of losing their jobs, which means they have to endure the abuse silently.


In conclusion, poverty plays a significant role in the lives of domestic workers. They are often stuck in a cycle of low-paying jobs with no benefits, and it makes it challenging for them to break free from the vicious cycle. Without proper protection and support from the government, domestic workers are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, and this can have severe consequences for their physical and emotional well-being. It is essential to address the issue of poverty to ensure that domestic workers are protected, and their rights are upheld. Domestic workers play a vital role in society, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are treated with dignity and respect.

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