Female Domestic Workers in Urban Informal Employment: The Case of Hossana City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Domestic work is a significant sector within the informal economy, predominantly employing women globally, yet remains largely unrecognized. This study examines the driving factors and sociodemographic characteristics of female domestic workers in Hossana City, focusing on the challenges they face. A random sample of 167 female domestic workers from three kebeles was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and a one-way ANOVA to investigate wage disparities based on sociodemographic variables. A five-point Likert scale ranked the challenges faced by female domestic workers. The analysis revealed that the majority of domestic workers are young, single, illiterate, and migrants from rural areas due to economic hardships and limited job opportunities.  Key motivations for entering domestic work included supporting their families financially, rural-urban migration, and saving money for potential migration abroad. Wage analysis indicated significant disparities influenced by age, marital status, education, the employer’s family size, and working hours. The study found that low wages, unpaid extra workload, and long working hours are significant challenges. The findings highlight the need for policy interventions to improve working conditions and ensure fair wages, addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by female domestic workers in urban settings.