Women workers in the informal economy consist of the most affected working sectors in society. They come from a marginalised population who’s legal, economic and political status limit their ability to demand or access their rights. These women include domestic workers whose social and economic contributions to society are invisible to the public, the law and policies of the country. They face challenges because their work is not considered ‘real’ work so that their rights to minimum standards of decent work are continually violated. As a result, this research attempts to look at these challenges through studies into the profile of domestic workers, their burdens and vulnerabilities in work place, efforts of the government to address the issues and efforts of domestic workers and partner organisations to organise them. This research will cover issues related to minimum standards of decent work, including definition, terms and condition of domestic work, live-in and live-out arrangements, wages, leaves and social security. The unique feature of their workplace, which is the home of their employer, makes them vulnerable to abuses and exploitation. This is because the State would always be reluctant to consider a home a workplace that they can regulate. The lack of capacity, support and unity as an organised sector make the challenges they face doubly difficult.

Key words:   Women workers. government, Financial performance, organisations