Respect, Equality & Safety in Domestic Work
This project focuses on promoting safe, respectful, and professional working relationships in domestic work.
Project Overview
Who We Reach
Domestic workers
Public institutions and authorities
The general public in Romandie
What We Offer
3 interactive workshops
Online awareness campaign
Educational materials
Worker testimonials
Why This Project Matters
Over the years, we have been approached by both domestic workers and employers facing serious challenges in their working relationships.
Some workers have shared experiences of violence, discrimination, or verbal aggression. In these situations, we have provided guidance and, when needed, connected them with relevant authorities or partner organisations.
At the same time, some employers have also expressed concerns, describing situations where they or their children felt uncomfortable, pressured, or unsure how to respond to difficult behaviour.
These experiences reflect the complexity of domestic work — a field built on trust and close daily contact, where boundaries can sometimes become unclear and conflicts can arise.
Our Approach
Too many situations escalate unnecessarily.
We believe that many of these challenges can be prevented when both workers and employers have access to the right tools, information, and support from the beginning. This is the focus of our 2025 project.
Our Core Beliefs
✔ Information prevents conflict
Well-informed workers and employers are better equipped to build respectful and balanced working relationships.
✔ Clear communication is essential
Well-defined expectations and clear, legally compliant contracts help prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties.
✔ Domestic work requires strong boundaries
The nature of working in private homes can blur personal and professional lines. Developing communication skills and setting respectful boundaries is essential — and something many people have never been taught.
✔ Access to support matters
When challenges arise, many people — especially newcomers to Switzerland — do not know where to turn. Whether it is a nanny feeling isolated or a family feeling uncertain, access to guidance and support is key.
Our Goal
Through this project, we aim to:
• Reduce tensions and prevent conflict
• Promote respectful and fair working relationships
• Increase awareness and understanding on both sides
We will do this by offering interactive workshops, launching a bilingual awareness campaign, and providing clear, practical resources for both domestic workers and employers.
Together, we can build safer, healthier working relationships — based on respect, communication, and understanding, not fear.
Survey
To ensure this project reflects the real needs of domestic workers, we are launching a survey.
Our aim is to better understand 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.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – Guide for Employees
Creating safe and respectful working environments is essential for everyone working in childcare.
Sexual harassment can affect anyone and can take many forms — including inappropriate comments, unwanted messages, or unwelcome physical contact. Understanding what constitutes harassment and knowing your rights are important steps in protecting yourself and others.
This guide, published by the Swiss Federal authorities, provides clear information on:
• What is sexual harassment in the workplace
• Examples of inappropriate behaviour
• What employees can do if they experience harassment
• The legal protections available in Switzerland
• Where to seek support and advice
We encourage all nannies and childcare professionals to inform themselves about their rights and the support available to them.
Source: Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) and State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
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.
