Sophie Kagan (Chief Technical Adviser, ILO Regional Office for Arab States)
Topic: Skills and Development in the GCC
This presentation focused on the specific context of domestic work in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. It highlighted the growing demand for domestic workers in the GCC and the importance of skill development to meet this demand.
Ms. Sophie discussed the unique challenges faced by domestic workers in the region, including limited access to training, legal and immigration issues, and cultural and language barriers.
She emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to develop and implement effective skills development programs specifically tailored to the GCC context.
Challenges encountered in Domestic Skills development
- Formalization: Despite its economic significance, domestic work often remains informal, characterized by low wages, limited benefits, and a lack of legal protection. This informality creates barriers to skills development and career advancement for domestic workers.
- Skill Mismatch: The demands of the domestic work sector are evolving, requiring specialized skills in areas like childcare, elder care, and household management. However, training programs often fail to align with these evolving needs, leading to a skills mismatch and a workforce unprepared for the demands of the modern market.
- Access to Training: Opportunities for formal training are often limited and inaccessible for domestic workers, particularly those working in rural areas or without basic educational qualifications. This lack of access further hinders their ability to develop the skills necessary for professionalization.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: In many countries, legal and regulatory frameworks governing domestic work are inadequate or poorly enforced. This lack of legal protection leaves domestic workers vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, further hindering their opportunities for skills development and career advancement.
- Cultural and Language Barriers: Cultural and language barriers can present significant challenges for both domestic workers and employers, hindering communication, understanding of expectations, and ultimately, the ability to provide and receive quality care.
