Respect, Equality & Safety in Domestic Work
Target Groups
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Domestic Workers
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Public Institutions and Authorities
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The general public in Romandie
3 Interactive Workshops
Online Awareness Campaign
Educational Materials
Collection of 100 + Worker testimonials
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Over the years, we’ve been approached by both domestic workers and employers facing serious challenges in their working relationships. Some workers have confided in us about experiencing violence, discrimination, or verbal aggression. In these cases, we’ve helped by providing guidance and connecting them with the appropriate authorities or partner associations.
At the same time, we’ve also listened to employers, some of whom have shared that they or their children have felt blackmailed, manipulated, or even threatened by a domestic worker.
These experiences highlight the complexity of domestic work, where trust and close daily contact are essential, but can easily become a source of conflict when boundaries or communication break down.
Why This Project Matters
Too many situations escalate unnecessarily. We believe many of these issues could be avoided if both parties had the right tools, support, and understanding from the start. That’s why we are focusing on this project in 2025.
Our Core Beliefs
Well-informed workers and employers prevent conflict.
Clear communication and well-drafted contracts before employment begins can address expectations and prevent misunderstandings later.
The nature of domestic work can blur personal and professional lines.
Many people in this field, on both sides, lack the communication skills needed to navigate difficult conversations or set respectful boundaries. We aim to change this through interactive workshops that empower both workers and employers.
People don’t always know where to turn when things go wrong.
Whether it’s a nanny feeling isolated and mistreated, or a parent feeling unsafe or unsure of their rights, many individuals, especially newcomers to Switzerland, lack the knowledge or support networks to resolve these issues constructively.
Through this project, we aim to reduce tensions, prevent violence, and promote a culture of respect and equality. We will do this by offering tailored workshops, launching a bilingual awareness campaign, and distributing clear, practical resources for both domestic workers and employers.
Together, we can build safer, healthier working relationships based on mutual respect, not fear.
Survey
To ensure this project reflects the real needs of domestic workers, we are launching a survey.
Our aim is to understand better the daily realities of domestic workers: what challenges they face, what situations lead to conflict or discomfort, and where they feel a lack of support or protection.
Their voices are essential to shaping meaningful, effective actions.
What We Ask
The survey invites domestic workers to share their experiences by answering questions such as:
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Have you ever felt unsafe, disrespected, or pressured in your job?
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Were you able to speak up? If not, what held you back?
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What kind of support, information, or training would have helped?
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What do you wish employers better understood?
The survey is available in multiple languages to make sure it is accessible to as many workers as possible, regardless of background.
What We Hope
We hope the responses will provide valuable insight into the needs and struggles of domestic workers, many of whom remain invisible in society despite the essential role they play in countless households.
This survey is the first step in making those voices heard and ensuring they are at the centre of this project.
WELCOME
Workshops
To turn awareness into action, we are organising a series of workshops designed to empower, inform, and connect.
Well-informed Employees and Employers Prevent Conflict
Domestic Workers’ Dialogue
Fem Do Chi – Empowerment and Self-Defence Workshop
Saturday, 27 September 2025
Hosted by Swiss Nanny Association
What to Expect
This workshop, hosted by us is open to the general public and aims to provide clear, accessible information about the legal framework surrounding domestic work in Switzerland.
We explore key topics such as:
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Rights and responsibilities of domestic workers and employers
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Contract essentials and legal protections
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Minimum wage, working hours, and time off
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Insurance, social security, and contributions
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Ending an employment relationship and resolving conflicts
Who Can Join
Everyone is welcome to attend, including:
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Domestic workers
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Employers and future employers
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Social workers, educators, and community members
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Anyone interested in fair and respectful employment practices
This session offers a space to learn, ask questions, and take part in building a culture of respect, safety, and equality in domestic work.
Saturday, 18 October 2025
Hosted by Swiss Nanny Association
What to Expect
A safe, supportive space for people working in the domestic work field to share stories, reflect on their experiences, and connect in solidarity.
This dialogue helps participants:
Speak openly about challenges at work
Reflect on rights, dignity, and personal strength
Feel heard without judgment or pressure
Discussion Themes:
Power & Control
Bullying & Silence
Invisible Violence
Boundaries & Rights
Strength & Survival
Core Principles:
Creating space where every voice matters
Respecting personal experiences
Recognising unfair treatment
Building collective strength
Who Can Join
This dialogue is open to everyone aged 18 and over working in the domestic work field - nannies, caregivers, cleaners, and other household staff.
No need to be an SNA member to attend.
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Hosted by Association Viol-Secours
What to Expect
Fem Do Chi is a method of physical, verbal, and mental self-defense designed for all women, regardless of age, physical condition, experience of violence, sexual orientation, or cultural background.
This workshop provide tools to assert yourself, gain respect, and protect yourself in everyday life:
Showing confidence through body language
Responding to verbal aggression
Striking when facing physical aggression
To do this, the facilitators will offer role plays, exercises, and games to put the tools into practice and develop our own strategies.
Core Principles of the Fem Do Chi Approach
Addressing the specific nature of violence against women
Challenging sexist stereotypes
Focusing on our own abilities
Turning paralyzing fear into action
Respecting the freedom to choose our personal strategies, because we are all different and each of us knows what works best for ourselves
Physical Self-Defense
Discover and develop our inner strength
Use confident posture and body language
Learn how to deliver effective strikes to stop an assault
Use simple protective gestures
Verbal Self-Defense
Share and practice communication and assertiveness tools
Learn how to express our boundaries and needs
Defuse situations where we feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Mental Self-Defense
Build self-confidence and feel free in our choices
Develop reflexes to better manage fear and stay active
Move away from guilt and isolation
Feel legitimate in defending ourselves
And also…
Experience a safe and empowering space to share stories and successes
Question the social pressures and assumptions that specifically impact women
Build solidarity to become stronger individually and collectively, and help reduce violence around us
Who Can Join
This workshop is open to women and gender minorities aged 18 and over working in the domestic work field.
You need to be an SNA member to attend. All backgrounds, body types, and experience levels welcome.
Important:
Places for this workshop are limited. To keep things fair, we will open a waiting list and on 27 September, we will draw 14 names from all registered SNA Members.
Only those selected will be invited to attend the workshop.
With the Support Of
This project is made possible by the financial support of the Canton of Geneva and the in-kind support of the City of Geneva, which is providing the venue for our workshops.
