Household workers in Jamaica
The household/domestic service sector consists mainly of unskilled women. These are poor women and many are heads of households. This sector can expand based on a down turn in the economy, for example the withdrawal of foreign direct investments (FDI) or it can contract based on opportunities in other areas such as overseas employment or outward migration. Foreign direct investment and overseas employment opportunities therefore are two factors which affect household workers in Jamaica.
The Jamaica Household Workers Association (JHWA) is a non-government, voluntary, women’s organization that was established in 1991 to represent the needs and interest of female household workers. The JHWA was designed to provide opportunities for support at the local, regional and international levels.
Household/domestic workers like everyone are involved in trade. They trade their services. Many who migrate continue in the service. With the advent of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the JHWA has limited opportunities for trade and export promotion. They will not be able to benefit as they are poor and also not listed in the ‘free movement of persons category’.
Jennifer Williams, Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Kingston, Jamaica
