The domestic work sector accounts for the largest share of private sector forced labor, with an estimated 3.8 million victims worldwide,

Domestic workers are often migrants with few skills and little formal education, even relative to other low-skill, highly vulnerable populations. Most are women and girls, which further exacerbates their vulnerability to forced labor, exploitation and abuse, and trafficking. Compared to its estimated rate of prevalence, few investments to-date have been made in protecting domestic workers. 

GFEMS works to protect the rights of domestic workers and to transform the systems that perpetuate their exploitation.

We develop models and tools for recruitment that protect the rights of domestic workers.  

Our programs focus on domestic workers who travel overseas for employment. We prioritize developing solutions in countries that are major countries of origin for domestic workers, like the Philippines and Bangladesh, and the most common destination countries, like Hong Kong or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where domestic workers migrate for employment opportunities. 

Our systemic approach targets a sustainable end to the exploitation of domestic workers

Trafficking and enslavement of domestic workers is perpetuated by systems of supply, demand, and an enabling environment that does not protect workers or survivors. To bring sustainable change, we need solutions that: reduce worker vulnerability, shift demand away from exploitative labor, and ensure that proper regulations and mechanisms exist to end impunity for traffickers. 

GFEMS works to address each of the three elements within any given system. 

Domestic workers are often migrants with few skills and little formal education, even relative to other low-skill, highly vulnerable populations. Most are women and girls, which further exacerbates their vulnerability to forced labor, exploitation and abuse, and trafficking.

To reduce the number of vulnerable domestic workers, we work with communities to address root economic vulnerabilities, raise awareness, and ensure domestic workers and their families are properly prepared. For victims and survivors, we work to build sustainable, safe, and survivor-informed reintegration approaches and services.

We work to shift the demand for labor towards ethical recruitment and employment practices. We create and support ethical recruitment agencies across the world that place domestic workers, change the behaviors of employers, and equip all stakeholders with tools that make ethical recruitment of domestic workers more effective.

We end impunity for traffickers and strengthen justice for survivors through legislative change and supporting the enforcement of anti-trafficking and labor laws. We help governments create and implement tools and mechanisms that protect survivors and prosecute traffickers.

How we can move forward, together

We can end the trafficking and enslavement of domestic workers. Working with local non-profits, businesses, and governments, reducing vulnerability, shifting demand, and ending impunity for traffickers is possible. Think we can collaborate?