Abstract

This research aims to explore the multidimensional problem of Domestic Workers in Egypt. Domestic Workers in Egypt lack the necessary legal protection, which in turn reflects on the absence of all forms of social protection for them and their families. In addition, the social stigma associated with the profession contributes to the violations against the workers of this sector who are mostly women coming mainly from low-socio economic backgrounds. This research focuses on women Domestic Workers, who live in slum communities in Cairo, many of whom are rural-urban migrants. It explores their challenges and their survival techniques used to face daily routines of going to work, commuting and supporting their families under those living and working conditions. The women domestic workers interviewed in this research are not a representative sample; however, they do reflect real life experiences of many other domestic workers who go through the same paths of life. On the other hand, interviews conducted with professionals working in the area of human rights, gender and development have also added to the researcher’s knowledge of how the issue is perceived at the political and social levels. The research findings confirm that there are serious issues with how Domestic Workers are dealt with on the different legal and social levels, and it is a reflection of the overall lack of state protection to women’s and workers’ rights in Egypt. The research concludes with suggested mechanisms through which situation could improve; mainly through conduction of more research to know the size of the problem of Domestic Workers in Egypt. On the other hand, Domestic Workers’ organization would be an essential step to establish a strong institutional body/mechanism that would advocate for Domestic Workers rights through the different channels.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

6-1-2014

Submission Date

May 2014

First Advisor

Glavanis, Pandeli

Committee Member 1

Morsy, Maya

Committee Member 2

El Nur, Ibrahim

Extent

106 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Household employees -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Household employees -- Arab countries.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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