Global unity in action: Celebrating International Home-Based Workers Day and Thailand's inspiring advocacy milestone
On October 20th, 2024, the HomeNet International Executive Committee, along with members of HomeNet Thailand (HNT), gathered in Bangkok to celebrate International Home-Based Workers Day. Throughout the day, we engaged in meaningful discussions on key topics affecting HBWs, facilitated by leaders from HNT. We also enjoyed cultural performances, including traditional songs and dances from local HBWs, and held an exhibition showcasing products made by HBWs from around the world.
A highlight of our gathering was the declaration from our Executive Committee and read out by HNI President Josephine “Olive” Parilla, recognizing the milestones achieved in Thailand and expressing gratitude to the Thai government for its positive steps toward recognizing the need to ratify ILO Convention 177. We also appreciated their commitment to reviewing the Homeworkers Protection Act of 2010 during our recent meeting with Honorable Labour Minister Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn. This progress exemplifies the positive outcomes of advocacy by affiliates like HomeNet Thailand in support of HNI’s global campaign for ILO Convention 177, labor rights, social protection, and decent work.
Our declaration also urged the national governments of 14 countries in HNI’s global campaign to ratify ILO C177 and to implement effective policies and legislation for home-based workers, ensuring equality of treatment, social protection, and decent work for all.
Affiliates' celebrations around the world
Remarkable events also took place across the world with our affiliates. Home-based workers and their allies came together in gatherings, marches, and discussions, all united in the fight for recognition, equality, and access to decent work.
In Bansko, Bulgaria, home-based workers hosted a vibrant celebration with guests from Kiev, Ukraine. In Kyrgyzstan, the Trade Union of the Textile Industry and organizations of home-based workers, members of HomeNet Eastern Europe and Central Asia (HNEECA), held a roundtable in Bishkek focused on the ratification of ILO Convention 177, a critical step towards ensuring legal protection for homeworkers.
Our allies in Nepal rallied together through the Home-Based Workerer Concerned Society Nepal, while in Sri Lanka, the Suhada Women Affairs Organization led a powerful march alongside HomeNet South Asia. Meanwhile, in the Maldives, the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society joined a national radio show to discuss the unique challenges home-based workers face. Bangladesh’s Home-Based Worker Right Network organized rallies in Dhaka and Rajshahi, highlighting the ongoing push for better rights and protections.
In Pakistan, HomeNet Pakistan hosted an event urging the government to ratify ILO Conventions 177 and 190, pressing for crucial protections around workers’ rights and safety. In Thailand, HomeNet Thailand held the Exhibition “Work from Home” at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center in celebration of International HBWs Day throughout the month of October.
Messages of support poured in from around the world, including from affiliates such as ATEMDO in Brazil, HomeNet Kenya, and Renatta in Peru. Sister organizations like WIEGO, StreetNet International, the International Domestic Workers Federation, and the International Alliance of Waste Pickers also joined in solidarity.
The strength and unity displayed across borders remind us why we continue to advocate for HBWs rights. Together, we’re advancing toward justice, dignity, and decent work for every home-based worker. Let’s keep pushing forward, united and unwavering.
Gallery of our affiliates celebrating International Home-based Workers Day
