This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
Published on July 13, 2021, a comprehensive report by SweepSouth sheds light on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on domestic workers in sub-Saharan Africa.
The report, which surveyed over 7,000 domestic workers across Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, reveals a stark reality of job losses, economic hardship, and a decline in the quality of life for these workers.
According to the report, in Kenya and Nigeria, approximately 2 in 5 domestic workers lost their jobs due to the pandemic, compared to 1 in 5 in South Africa.
Notably, the report found a correlation between better employment protections for domestic workers and their work conditions. While Kenya and South Africa have regulations in place to protect domestic workers, Nigeria's regulations are less extensive.
Key statistics from the report include:
- Kenya: Average number of days worked (5), 13% work more than 10 hours a day, 7% work 7 days a week.
- South Africa: Average number of days worked (4), 3% work more than 10 hours a day, 4% work 7 days a week.
- Nigeria: Average number of days worked (6), 31% work more than 10 hours a day, 33% work 7 days a week.
Furthermore, the report highlights the economic struggles faced by domestic workers, with many forced to take on debt or reduce spending on vital items to make ends meet.
According to the report, domestic workers in Kenya earn an average of KSH 8,522 per month, while their monthly living costs are KSH 10,731, resulting in a significant shortfall.
Other findings from the report include:
- 24% of domestic workers in Kenya have personal savings or pension.
- 42% of their wages are spent on rent, 40% on food, 22% on transport.
- 64% of domestic workers in Kenya are in debt.
- 55% do not make enough to save.
Additionally, the report reveals vaccine hesitancy and concern across all three countries, with South Africa showing the greatest hesitancy despite having experienced significant losses due to COVID-19.
As SweepSouth CEO Aisha Pandor noted, 'As we reflect on the impact of the pandemic, many of us would have predicted that the worst would be behind us a year later. However, we continue to see job losses and economic hardship for domestic workers, and even though there are some encouraging signs, the general outlook is still grim.'
