
Free Women of Abida: Tomato Farmer Turned Cooperative President
Hajer B. has been a tomato farmer for 20 years. Starting a cooperative in her area has given her the confidence and community to dream bigger and gain more financial independence.
31 Aug 2026 • Jacinta M.
“I pray when we pass C189 (ILO Domestic Workers Convention), all workers should be equal.” Jacinta, domestic worker and trader in Kenya, shares her perspective on rights for domestic workers, the value of union membership, and balancing two jobs to support her family.

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Hajer B. has been a tomato farmer for 20 years. Starting a cooperative in her area has given her the confidence and community to dream bigger and gain more financial independence.

When Mortee D. became the family breadwinner, her job selling shoes as a petty street vendor was just a side hustle. Now, with the help of the local union, she’s growing her business to care for her family.

A day in the life of Meriam, 53, looks like this: wake up at 6 am, get dressed, and walk over to the main house to begin work. Clean the entire house, do the laundry, iron any clothes for her employers or their kids, cook all the meals, feed the dogs, let them out, and finish up around 7 pm. Repeat, Monday through Friday.

When Kate T.'s husband left her, she took any job to care for her family. Now she is a regional leader of her union, still working multiple jobs, but also teaching others how to make more money.

"Many people believe that domestic workers are of low value, but I do not see it that way. This work allows me to provide for my family, so it has dignity and importance."

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