The Young Women's Christian Association has launched a new domestic workers' agency that is expected to benefit both employers and employees in the sector. YWCA is a global network of women working for social and economic change in over 120 countries.

YWCA national general secretary Ms Sheila Matindike said the new organisation would help address challenges such as unfair labour practices.

"A situation of stability in the home is likely to have a positive impact on production levels in many parts of the economy. It is the hope of the YWCA to match the prospective employer with a compatible employee.

"One of the ways it can achieve this is to assist, particularly working parents and home owners, in identifying trustworthy, loyal and committed domestic workers to look after their children, the elderly, their homes and other assets," she said.

In return, she added, the domestic workers entrusted with such responsibility should be treated with dignity and respect, including decent financial rewards.

In respect of household work, the YWCA says it had observed a number of challenges affecting the sector.

For instance, the organisation noted an increase in various forms of abuse by some domestic workers or employers, including sexual abuse or even abuse of assets.

There was also concern over thefts from employers, which are increasing, and are now a cause for concern and unfair labour practices that are also an issue as some domestic workers are underpaid.

The purpose of the domestic workers employment agency is to establish a reliable pool of prospective domestic workers who are thoroughly vetted and documented for easy follow-up in case of problems including illness.

"The need to provide basic training in some skills that first time employees and others may need, including operating some gadgets such as washing machines and generators among others. It is hoped to work with suppliers of some of the gadgets who may find it as an opportunity to market their products.

"The idea is to contribute to the recovery of the economy by making sure the workers in all sectors - civil service, business, industry and non-governmental organisations - can have peace of mind when they have reliable and traceable domestic help in their homes," said Ms Matindike.