Contributing Factors for Employing a Child for Domestic Work
Child domestic labour in Pakistan is mainly influenced by two factors – demand and supply(1). Demand factors include a variety of factors such as increasing social and economic disparities, debt bondage, payment below the minimum wage, cultural practices and acceptability. In Pakistan, there is also a general perception that children working in households are usually cared for and not necessarily seen as exploitative employment for children.
On the other hand, supply-side factors contribute to child domestic labour in Pakistan, such as poverty, social exclusion, lack of awareness, limited knowledge and education of parents who may not prioritise their children’s education, gender and ethnic discrimination, lack of family planning, rural-urban migration and broken families. These factors can lead families to have their children work as domestic workers. For example, children in rural areas where education is unaccessible or unaffordable are more likely to work as domestic workers.
In addition, the lack of institutional arrangements and mechanisms to monitor working conditions and wages, the weak role of trade unions in protecting the rights of domestic workers and the lack of social protection increase the vulnerability of domestic workers, especially children. It is therefore crucial to address both demand and supply side factors to eliminate child domestic labour in Pakistan.
Impact of the Employment of Children in Domestic Work on the Lives of Children and Their Well-Being
The evidence strongly suggests that the employment of children as domestic workers exerts profoundly negative impacts on their lives and overall well-being, including:
Physical Health
Children who work as domestic workers often have to perform physically demanding tasks such as carrying heavy loads, cleaning and cooking. This result in injuries, chronic pain and long-term health problems.
Mental Health
Child domestic workers may experience various forms of abuse, such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse. This can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological problems.
Education
Children who work as domestic workers do not attend school regularly with some exception, which limit their opportunities for personal development and future success. This can also result in a lack of basic literacy and numeracy skills, which make it difficult for them to find other forms of employment in the future.
Social Development
Child domestic workers may be isolated from their peers and unable to participate in social activities due to their work responsibilities. This can lead to a lack of social skills and a limited understanding of the wider world.
Exploitation
Child domestic workers are often paid significantly lower wages than their adult counterparts, if they are paid at all. Many reported cases highlight prolonged working hours, substandard working conditions, and instances of abuse. These circumstances can engender feelings of helplessness and exploitation among these vulnerable children, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependency on their employers.
Discrimination and Neglect
Discrimination and feelings of neglect are common experiences for child domestic workers. Child domestic workers may feel left out and excluded from activities that other children in the household are participating in, such as attending school, watching TV or playing with family and friends. They are subject to discriminatory treatment, such as being given inferior food or sleeping arrangements compared to other children in the household. These experiences have a lasting impact on the child’s self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Discrimination and feelings of neglect can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and a sense of hopelessness.
References/ Ackowledgements
(1) National Commission on the Rights of Child . (2022). Policy Brief on the Legal Framework on Child Domestic Labour in Pakistan.