The work that makes all other work possible | Ai-jen Poo

Domestic workers are entrusted with the most precious aspects of people's lives -- they're the nannies, the elder-care workers and the house cleaners who do the work that makes all other work possible. Too often, they're invisible, taken for granted or dismissed as "help," yet they continue to do their wholehearted best for the families and homes in their charge. In this sensational talk, activist Ai-Jen Poo shares her efforts to secure equal rights and fair wages for domestic workers and explains how we can all be inspired by them. "Think like a domestic worker who shows up and cares no matter what," she says.

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[brendarua]

Not long ago there was a thing called an extended family. Several generations lived in one house and generations ttook care of each other. This is a part of what she is talking about. But her focus on employment sets the focus on upper middle class and higher families while cloaking the service rendered as a family function. I'm not sure I like the mixing. But she has an important message even so.

[jsalazarmaya]

I could have sworn she will be talking about teaching. My mistake.

[Ledmetothis]

WOW! I was there in Eloy Detention facility when those mothers were bussed in NOT knowing where their children were going! I was there to hear the screams and cries of the mothers - who just had their children ripped from their arms. Kids were sent to Texas, mothers were in Arizona - it was a crazy time - trying to find where the children were - with no identification, or course of action. THANK you for sharing!!!

[VictorKholod]

Her voice makes me wanna cry. In a good way

[MaJoRMJR]

I think the real message here is unless you regulate (by legislation) people (mainly the rich) will abuse any situation where they have power over someone else (or in other words; employers don't pay (or reward) their employees a fair wage unless they are forced to by law).

[rachelgreen]

That's good for Lily to met you. Good to know that there are a lot of kind person out there, like you. You have a warm voice and warm heat ♥ too.

[vincentchoung]

I've never thought about the life of domestic workers. I can't believe that there are still underestimated people who don't have any power to claim their rights. I hope this video give people a chance to think about neglected workers.

[EricBZink]

Always interesting video and love following the channel because I can always find inspiration here for my own and keep growing.

[tenacioustaylor]

Love ted talk ! Her voice is so soothing, and this is a topic I do not often hear about

[starcherry]

Unskilled?? Unprofessional! Oo wee I be damned!
Domestic workers are some of the hardest working people out there! And those jobs are not easy and require a variety of skills.
Taking care of kids, elderly, and keeping a house organised and sanitary everyday is not an easy task.

[obaidqadri]

I really appreciate your work.Also i would only say that this system of exploitation needs to end. We as the citizens of this world must show love and courtesy .

[sojournern]

I feel for these people, hopefully, we will give them their rights in our culture. At the same time good luck for those that are helping them stand up. We are blessed to have those that help. We are all enriched to bring compassion into our society.

[alphastrength]

So calm in front of all those people, that is great

[Lunareon]

While the inhumane treatment of domestic workers in the U.S. is an important issue which should be fixed, it's also a rather minor issue in the bigger, global picture. The real problem is the overall under-appreciation of the care and service sectors. We depend on so many people's work to do ours, ranging from care to transport.

[asheswillfa]

All work makes all other work possible. Help is often used to mean assist too.

[gabbylafleurdamazonie]

Great presentation! We need more compassion!

[FLsmack]

I'm confused. I perceive these types of jobs as "luxuries" purchased by wealthy people. Especially if they're in your home. If they're not, they're usually a business hiring someone. Like, you generally can only afford some of this kind of care of your middle class and above. So, poorer people get by without this and this it's not exactly that which makes all other work possible and definitely not fundamental. A nurse and PCT is way different than a minimum wage job and are who take care of newborns and dying people. What century are you referring to cuz this sounds like the wealthy 1800s to me

[ChessMasteryOfficial]

"Yesterday's home runs don't win today's games." --Babe Ruth ¥

[scatton]

Granted that their work is important (like a lot of other jobs) and is often overlooked and is underpaid...But really? "makes all other work possible"??? How about parenting? No parents = no children, no children = no adults doing work to pay the taxes. Parents make all other work possible.

[-Slinger-]

AFAIK this is not an issue in my country.