At least 6.5 per cent of domestic workers in the country are below 16 years of age, a survey shows.

The survey was commissioned by Collectif des Ligues et Associations de Defence des Droits de l’Homme au Rwanda (CLADHO), an umbrella organisation of  non-government organisations advocating for human rights, plight of domestic workers and education for children and youth in the country.

The study was conducted in 15 districts of the country earlier this year.

It also shows that the rest of domestic workers are between ages 16 and 20.

Stany Ngarukiye, project coordinator at CLADHO, says the study aimed at assessing the situation of domestic workers at their place of work and their job description.

 Out of the 248 domestic workers (female and male) interviewed, 59.2 per cent were household servants while 16.1 per cent were baby sitters.

"Of these, 87 per cent have attended school, know how to read and write, and would like to go back to school if given chance by their employers or other well wishers,” Ngarukiye said.

The survey also showed that, for many, domestic work is a last resort, many having dropped out of school due to poverty, being orphans and desire to have an urban life.

CLADHO has assisted some domestic workers to get access to education, both conventional and vocation training.

Ngarukiye urged employers to offer domestic workers some free time to attend such trainings.

Anna Mugabo, the director general of labour and employment at the Ministry of Public Service and Labour, acknowledged that most domestic workers were below 18-years of age  which is against the labour laws and called for their proper treatment.

She noted that most of them need a lot of guidance and a chance to education and health care  from their employers.

"Most domestic workers  are still paid very low wages, lack medical insurance, work for long hours under unfavourable conditions, and are not given a second chance to education by their employers. Others, especially, girls face sexual abuse from their male employers, which has to change,” she said.

Mugabo said government, with different stakeholders, were exploring ways to improve the conditions of domestic workers.

"As government we are still studying the situation of domestic workers before we can make a decision such issues as  introducing minimum wage, work contracts and recognising these workers as other employees that are entitled to public holidays, paid leave, and minimum working hours among other things,” Mugabo assured.

Solange Dushime is one of the many former domestic workers who have been helped to learn catering, and literacy skills.

"I wish all domestic workers got such an opportunity because it is life changing. Today, I am a chef, I can communicate with customers in English and French, I know how to read and write, and I earn a much better wage,” said Dushime.