Abstract

The relationship between domestic workers (house helps) and their employers within the university community of Kortright, Fourah Bay College, Mountain Rural District, Western Area, presents significant Socio-economic and institutional challenges. This study examines the dynamics of these relationships, focusing on issues such as unfair labor practices, poor working conditions, lack of legal protections, and power imbalances rooted in class and gender disparities. Domestic workers in this setting who are most times women and migrants face exploitation, low wages, excessive workloads, and emotional or physical abuse in silence, with limited avenues for redress. The university community, comprising academics, administrative staff, and students, employs domestic workers for household upkeep, yet formalized labor agreements are rare, leaving workers vulnerable. Additionally, cultural norms and economic desperation further entrench these inequities. This research explores how institutional policies and or the lack thereof, within Fourah Bay College and the broader Kortright community contribute to these challenges. It also assesses the role of labor laws and social attitudes in perpetuating or mitigating worker exploitation. Using qualitative methods, including interviews with domestic workers, employers, and key stakeholders; this study highlights the lived experiences of domestic workers and proposes policy interventions to improve their welfare. Some of the key findings that came out included: exploitation and unfair labor conditions for domestic workers, power imbalances and gender/class dynamics and lack of legal and institutional protections. Recommendations include formalizing employment contracts, establishing grievance mechanisms, and promoting awareness campaigns on workers’ rights. By addressing these issues, the study contributes to broader discussions on fair labor practices and social justice within academic communities in Sierra Leone. This research underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure dignity, fairness, and equity in domestic labor arrangements within university environments.