Our team at the International Labour Conference

Five young domestic workers are in Geneva, attending the International Labour Organisation's annual conference on behalf of children from Africa, Asia and Latin America.

From Togo

FOULERA started working as a child aged 9 in domestic work. She is now the spokesperson for an advisory group of child domestic workers in Togo. She speaks pragmatically but eloquently about the suffering she and others like her have been through.

KOMI started as a child domestic worker when he was also 9 and he still works for the same employer. He is now also on the Togolese advisory group of child domestic workers. Although he is quietly spoken, he is an eloquent ‘champion’ for child domestic workers and, eventually, wants to work on their behalf at the ILO.

From India

SUJATHA was pushed into domestic work at 13 when she refused to get married. Although she is very quiet, when she thinks of the suffering of child domestic workers she becomes passionate and speaks with much conviction. She is now helping other children in domestic work to discuss their problems.

From Peru

FIAMA was just 7 when she started working as a child domestic worker. She speaks very powerfully about the need for children to know their rights, she is the youngest of the group (at 15) but speaks with a wisdom and maturity beyond her years. She is now a ‘promotor’ of children’s rights with child domestic workers in her community.

EVELYN was also aged 7 when she started work – looking after someone else’s children in their home. At 19 she is following in the footsteps of her mother and is quickly becoming a community leader for child domestic workers. She speaks with much emotion and passion about the need for solidarity amongst children.

This is our team – all except the eldest, Evelyn, are still in domestic work. I want to salute their courage in coming to the UN, in speaking to ILO members at a very formal but important event for child domestic workers. I am so proud to be with them.

Helen, Children Unite.