ILO Launches Daycare Centre for Domestic Workers in Addis Ababa

The initiative strengthens early childhood development, creates decent childcare jobs, and helps domestic workers balance family responsibilities with employment.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with government agencies, workers’ organizations and development partners, has launched a new daycare centre dedicated to domestic workers in Gulele Sub-City, Addis Ababa, aimed at expanding childcare access and supporting women’s participation in the labour market.

The initiative strengthens early childhood development, creates decent childcare jobs, and helps domestic workers balance family responsibilities with employment.

The project was launched just ahead of International Women’s Day, highlighting the critical role of childcare systems in advancing gender equality and economic inclusion.

Supporting Women in the Workforce

The daycare centre was established under the NORAD-supported ILO project “Promoting Workers’ Rights and Gender Equality at Work in Africa – Phase II.”

Initially focused on the textile and garment sector, the project previously created two childcare centres for factory workers. It later expanded to the agro-processing sector with two additional centres, and the new facility marks the fifth childcare centre, specifically serving domestic workers.

Domestic work remains one of the most important yet often undervalued sectors of the informal economy, with women forming the majority of workers.

Speaking at the launch, Khumbula Ndaba, Director of the ILO Country Office for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan and Special Representative to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, stressed the broader importance of the initiative.

“This project is important for the ILO because it promotes decent work for women, and more specifically for domestic workers,” Ndaba said.

“Many women have not been able to participate as equals in the workplace because of their family responsibilities. This facility makes it possible for them to work while knowing their children are safe, nurtured and being prepared for the future.”

Addressing a Key Barrier to Women’s Employment

Limited access to affordable and reliable childcare remains one of the main obstacles preventing women from fully participating in the labour market.

For domestic workers, whose employment is often informal and poorly protected, the challenge can be even greater.

The new facility provides quality early childhood care services, ensuring that children are safe and supported in their development while their parents work.

At the same time, the centre creates decent employment opportunities for childcare workers, strengthening the local care economy.

“This centre belongs to the community,” said Senait Jemago, Head of the Gulele Sub-City Woreda 09 Women and Social Affairs Office.

“We are committed to ensuring it operates according to national childcare standards and remains a safe, supportive space for children.”

Workers’ Voices Shaped the Initiative

The Andinet Ethiopian Domestic Workers’ Union played a key role in shaping the project by helping identify beneficiaries and ensuring the centre responds to the real needs of domestic workers.

Union President Hirut Abera welcomed the facility as a major step forward for workers’ rights and dignity.

“For many domestic workers, childcare has been a daily struggle that limits their ability to work with stability and peace of mind,” Abera said.

“This centre gives our members confidence that their children are cared for in a safe and structured environment. It is a major step forward for domestic workers’ rights and dignity.”

Strong Institutional Collaboration

The daycare centre was established through coordinated collaboration between several institutions.

Key partners included:

• Addis Ababa City Administration Strategic Project Management Office (SPMO)

• Addis Ababa Women, Children and Social Affairs Bureau (AAWCSAB)

• Gulele Sub-City Women, Children and Social Affairs Office (GSCWCSAO)

• Andinet Ethiopian Domestic Workers’ Union (AEDWU)

• Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU)

• Partnership for Change (PFC)

The city administration provided leadership and budgetary support, while the local sub-city administration supplied the facility and oversees daily operations. Partnership for Change renovated and furnished the centre and provided training for childcare staff.

Turning International Commitments into Action

The initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s ratification of the ILO Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention (No. 156), which promotes equal opportunities for workers with family responsibilities.

By investing in childcare services, the project translates international labour commitments into practical local solutions.

A Model for Expanding Care Systems

ILO officials highlighted that the Gulele daycare centre could serve as a replicable model for other communities in Ethiopia and across Africa.

Strengthening childcare services not only supports families but also promotes women’s economic empowerment, decent work and child development.

By investing in care systems, partners are helping build stronger communities while ensuring that children receive the support they need to become future leaders.