Dear friend,

Right now, our researchers are packing their bags for Indonesia. Why? To help end the exploitation of over 2.6 million women and girls - some as young as 12 years old- who cook, wash and clean for their employers without proper legal protection.

If domestic workers in private homes become sick, they don’t get paid. If they’re injured at work, they risk losing their jobs. They don’t have a minimum wage, and they’re not entitled to sick leave, holidays or maternity leave. Worst of all, some suffer physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their employer.

The good news is that Indonesia has drafted a new law - the Domestic Workers Bill - that will make employers responsible for treating their workers properly. Yet it’s been delayed several times, and politicians continue to postpone its passage through parliament.

Today, on International Women’s Day, let’s put the pressure on Indonesian officials to push through the Domestic Workers Bill. Click here to demand protection of their rights at work.

These women and girls usually come from very poor families in small rural communities. It’s often a choice between becoming a domestic worker or living on the streets.

We recently spoke with Latifah, an 18-year-old baby-sitter from West Java who was a victim of ongoing sexual harassment by her former employer. Her vulnerability and isolation prevented her from speaking out: "I only told my neighbours about this situation," said Latifah. "But they said it happens often with domestic workers in this house."

Add your name and give women and girls like Latifah the protection they need to stand up to injustice.

This Bill hasn’t appeared from nowhere. It’s the result of years of letter writing, petition signing and advocacy by Amnesty supporters all over the world to support the calls of women’s rights activists in the country. When our delegation arrives, they’ll join our in-country partners and pass on our important message: we are watching, and the abuse has to stop.

Women’s rights activists know that external pressure from Amnesty supporters like you can and will make a difference. Answer their call and help make their rights at work a reality.

In solidarity,

Hannah Harborow
Demand Dignity campaigner
Amnesty International Australia