GLOBAL CAMPAIGN:
HOME-BASED WORKERS
UNITED TOWARDS
RATIFICATION OF ILO C177,
LABOUR RIGHTS,
SOCIAL PROTECTION
AND DECENT WORK
that’s the estimated number of home-based workers worldwide, according to the ILO. Of these, 57% are women who balance paid work with domestic and caregiving responsibilities, often while facing low wages, limited social protection, and poor working conditions.
In 1996, the ILO adopted the Home Work Convention (No. 177) and Recommendation (No. 184) to improve the working conditions of homeworkers.
The Convention calls on governments to develop and implement national policies on home work in consultation with employers and workers’ organizations. Yet, despite the steady rise of home-based work, as of 2025 only 13 countries have ratified ILO Convention 177 — a clear reminder of the urgent need for action.
The HNI Executive Committee reflected upon the urgent need for countries to start taking the necessary steps to ratify ILO Convention 177 (C177), as ratification commits member countries to take concrete action and provides a foundation for others to develop policies that protect home-based workers. Recognizing that not all countries may be in a position to ratify the convention, the Committee set a broader, more inclusive goal for the campaign.
To support participating countries in achieving labour rights, social protection, and decent work for home-based workers by:
Ratification of ILO C177
Development of policies for home-based workers, irrespective of ILO C177
Improvement of an existing policy that a country has
Creation of guidelines or rules
Spanning four years, the campaign brings together 14 HNI Affiliate countries committed to advancing the four primary goals that ensure protection for home-based workers and affirm their status as workers. It also seeks to amplify their voices in society, enhance their visibility, and strengthen recognition of their vital contributions to the economy, their communities and families.
Improving Existing Policy
Policy Irrespective of ILO C177
Improving Existing Policy
Guidelines Irrespective of Policy
Guidelines Irrespective of Policy
Ratification of ILO C177
Improving Existing Policy
Ratification of ILO C177
Policy Irrespective of ILO C177
Ratification of ILO C177
Ratification of ILO C177
Creation of guidelines or rules
Policy Irrespective of ILO C177
Improving Existing Policy
HNI has developed a range of materials and resources to support members throughout the campaign. Explore our Campaign Hub to access videos, guides, advocacy tools, and other resources designed to help you take action and drive change.
HomeNet International is a global network representing over 1.5 million home-based workers across 30 countries, dedicated to amplifying their visibility, securing their recognition as workers, and leveraging their united voice to influence governments and employers around the world.
