Enhancing Social Protection for Women Domestic Workers in Peru

Importance of Domestic Work in Peru’s Economy

Domestic work is a vital sector within the Peruvian economy, contributing significantly to household functioning and the overall labor market. According to estimates, over 800,000 individuals in Peru are employed as domestic workers, with an overwhelming majority being women (Wigle et al., 2023). This sector not only supports the livelihoods of these workers but also enables other members of the household to engage in paid employment, thereby playing a critical role in the economy. However, despite its importance, domestic work is often undervalued and unprotected, leading to severe socio-economic disparities and exploitation.

Paid domestic work is predominantly performed by women, who face numerous challenges including low wages, lack of job security, and minimal access to social protections (Weselak et al., 2007). In Peru, domestic workers are sometimes referred to as “Las trabajadoras del hogar,” and they provide essential services such as cleaning, cooking, child care, and elderly care. Yet, despite the critical nature of their contributions, the majority of these workers lack basic rights and protections, which is indicative of gender inequality that permeates the labor market.

Current State of Social Protection for Domestic Workers

In recent years, the Peruvian government has made strides to improve the conditions for domestic workers. The Domestic Workers Law (Law No. 31047), enacted in 2020, recognizes the rights of domestic workers, including stipulations for work hours, minimum wage, and healthcare benefits (Wigle et al., 2023). However, a staggering 86.7% of domestic workers continue to work informally, meaning that they do not receive the legal protections afforded by this law (Wigle et al., 2023). The law stipulates that domestic workers should receive a minimum wage of approximately $240 per month, yet many are paid below this threshold due to their informal employment status.

The barriers to effective implementation of the domestic workers’ law are multifaceted. Enforcement is often lax, and many employers remain unaware of their legal obligations or choose to ignore them. This results in a systemic undervaluation of domestic work, leading to a lack of access to essential services like healthcare, retirement pensions, and unemployment compensation (Weselak et al., 2007). The lack of enforcement mechanisms means that many workers remain vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and unsafe working conditions.

Barriers to Effective Implementation of Domestic Workers’ Law

The implementation of the Domestic Workers Law faces significant challenges, including societal attitudes towards domestic work and the economic realities of both workers and employers. A critical barrier is the entrenched stigma surrounding domestic work, often viewed as low-status. This societal perception leads to a lack of respect for domestic workers’ rights and their contributions to the economy (Wigle et al., 2023).

Moreover, many employers are hesitant to register their domestic workers formally due to perceived financial burdens associated with compliance with the law, such as paying social security contributions and offering additional benefits (Weselak et al., 2007). This reluctance is compounded by a lack of awareness about the rights of domestic workers among both employers and workers themselves. In many cases, domestic workers are unaware of their rights, resulting in a power imbalance that exacerbates their vulnerability.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the challenges faced by domestic workers. It has been reported that 72.1% of domestic workers lost their jobs during the pandemic, with many who retained employment experiencing reduced hours and wages (Wigle et al., 2023). The economic fallout has made it even more difficult for domestic workers to advocate for their rights, as many prioritize immediate financial survival over long-term labor rights.

Strategies for Improving Engagement and Inclusion of Domestic Workers

To enhance the social protection of women domestic workers in Peru, several strategies can be implemented. First, increasing awareness and education about the Domestic Workers Law is essential. This can involve workshops and informational campaigns targeted at both employers and domestic workers, highlighting their rights and obligations under the law.

Second, fostering solidarity among domestic workers through unions and associations can empower them to advocate for their rights collectively. Initiatives that build networks among workers can help them share experiences, resources, and support, thereby strengthening their negotiating power with employers (Bearers et al., 2000).

Third, government enforcement of the Domestic Workers Law must be prioritized. This includes ensuring that labor inspectors are trained to recognize and address violations of domestic workers’ rights, thereby creating a more equitable landscape for workers.

Lastly, incorporating a gender-sensitive lens in policy-making is crucial. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women in the labor force, especially in informal sectors, will help in crafting policies that address their specific needs and vulnerabilities (Weselak et al., 2007).

Recommendations for Policy Changes to Support Domestic Workers

Based on the identified barriers and strategies for improvement, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the social protection of women domestic workers in Peru:

1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Amend existing labor laws to ensure comprehensive protections for domestic workers, including provisions for maternity leave and healthcare benefits.

2. Enhance Enforcement Mechanisms: Allocate resources for labor inspections and establish penalties for employers who fail to comply with labor laws regarding domestic workers.

3. Promote Awareness Campaigns: Launch national campaigns to educate both domestic workers and employers about labor rights and obligations, including the benefits of formal employment.

4. Support Unionization: Facilitate the formation and operation of unions for domestic workers to enable collective bargaining and representation in labor discussions.

5. Conduct Regular Assessments: Implement mechanisms to regularly assess the working conditions of domestic workers and gather data to inform policy decisions.

6. Encourage Community Engagement: Involve local communities and organizations in discussions about domestic work and its value, promoting respect and dignity for domestic workers.

7. Utilize Technology for Advocacy: Leverage social media and online platforms to raise awareness about the rights of domestic workers and to create virtual support networks.

By implementing these recommendations, Peru can take significant steps toward ensuring that domestic workers are recognized, respected, and provided with the protections they deserve.

FAQ

What is the Domestic Workers Law in Peru?

The Domestic Workers Law (Law No. 31047) enacted in 2020 aims to protect the rights of domestic workers in Peru, including stipulations for minimum wage, work hours, and access to healthcare.

Why is social protection important for domestic workers?

Social protection is vital for domestic workers as it ensures access to essential services like healthcare, maternity leave, and unemployment benefits, safeguarding their rights and improving their quality of life.

What challenges do domestic workers face in Peru?

Domestic workers in Peru face challenges such as low wages, lack of job security, exploitation, and limited access to social protections due to informal employment conditions.

How can domestic workers advocate for their rights?

Domestic workers can advocate for their rights by forming unions, participating in educational workshops, and leveraging social media to raise awareness and share experiences.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect domestic workers?

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges faced by domestic workers, leading to job losses, reduced working hours, and increased vulnerability to exploitation.

References

1. Wigle DT, Arbuckle TE, Turner MC, Bérubé A, Yang Q, Liu S, Krewski D. (2023). Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2008;11(5–6):373–517

2. Weselak M, Arbuckle TE, Foster W. (2007). Pesticide exposures and developmental outcomes: the epidemiological evidence. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2007;10:41–80

3. Bearer CF. (2000). The special and unique vulnerability of children to environmental hazards. Neurotoxicology. 2000;21(6):925–34 00)00025-8

4. Wigle DT, Arbuckle TE, Turner MC, Bérubé A, Yang Q, Liu S, Krewski D. (2008). Epidemiologic evidence of relationships between reproductive and child health outcomes and environmental chemical contaminants. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2008;11(5–6):373–517

5. Weselak M, Arbuckle TE, Foster W. (2007). Pesticide exposures and developmental outcomes: the epidemiological evidence. J Toxicol Environ Health B Crit Rev. 2007;10:41–80