By: Kashif Nawab
International Domestic Workers Day, celebrated annually on June 16, commemorates the adoption of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention on Domestic Workers (C189) in 2011. This convention established the labor rights of domestic workers worldwide, marking a significant step in recognizing their contributions and ensuring their protection under labor laws. In Pakistan, this day serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by domestic workers and the ongoing efforts to improve their conditions.
In Pakistan, domestic work has long been a significant source of employment, particularly for women. According to a 2019 report by the ILO, an estimated 8.5 million domestic workers are employed in Pakistan, with women and children forming a large portion of this workforce. Despite their substantial contributions, domestic workers in Pakistan have historically faced neglect and exploitation.
One of the primary challenges faced by domestic workers in Pakistan is the lack of legal protection. Until recently, domestic work was largely unregulated, with workers excluded from the ambit of labor laws. This lack of legal recognition has left them vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including low wages, long working hours, and abusive working conditions. Reports of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse are alarmingly common. In many cases, domestic workers, particularly young girls, are trafficked from rural areas to urban centers under false promises of decent work and education. Instead, they find themselves trapped in abusive households, with little recourse to justice.
Child labor remains a pervasive issue in Pakistan’s domestic work sector. Poverty forces many families to send their children to work as domestic workers. These children are often deprived of education and a normal childhood, enduring harsh working conditions and abuse. Despite laws prohibiting child labor, enforcement remains weak, and the issue persists. The majority of domestic workers in Pakistan are women, who face double discrimination based on their gender and occupation. Women domestic workers often receive lower wages than their male counterparts and are more vulnerable to sexual harassment and abuse. Cultural norms and societal attitudes further compound their marginalization, making it difficult for them to assert their rights and seek justice.
Despite the challenges, there have been significant strides toward improving the conditions of domestic workers in Pakistan. The adoption of various legislative and policy measures reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect this vulnerable segment of the workforce. One of the most notable developments is the Domestic Workers Act, 2019, passed by the Punjab Assembly. This landmark legislation aimed to regulate domestic work in the province, ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe working conditions. The act also mandated the registration of domestic workers, providing them with access to social security benefits, including health insurance and pension schemes.
In 2018, Sindh became the first province in Pakistan to pass the Home-Based Workers Act, which includes provisions for domestic workers. The law recognizes domestic workers as formal workers, entitling them to minimum wage, social security, and legal protection against harassment and abuse. This legislation marked a significant step toward the formalization of domestic work in Sindh.
Civil society organizations in Pakistan have played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of domestic workers. These organizations have been instrumental in raising awareness, providing legal aid, and pushing for legislative reforms. For instance, the Domestic Workers Union in Lahore and the Home-Based Women Workers Federation in Karachi have been at the forefront of the struggle, organizing domestic workers and demanding their rights. International organizations, particularly the ILO, have provided substantial support to Pakistan in its efforts to improve the conditions of domestic workers. Through various projects and initiatives, the ILO has facilitated capacity-building programs, awareness campaigns, and policy dialogues aimed at enhancing the protection of domestic workers. Additionally, collaborations with other international NGOs have brought global attention to the plight of domestic workers in Pakistan, fostering a sense of urgency and solidarity.
While challenges remain, there have been notable success stories and progress in improving the conditions of domestic workers in Pakistan. In some regions, domestic workers have reported improvements in their working conditions, thanks to increased awareness and advocacy efforts. Employers are gradually becoming more aware of their responsibilities and the rights of domestic workers, leading to better treatment and fairer wages. Several initiatives have focused on empowering domestic workers through education and vocational training. Programs offering literacy classes, skill development, and financial literacy have enabled domestic workers to enhance their employability and negotiate better terms of employment. These initiatives have also provided a platform for domestic workers to voice their concerns and seek redressal for grievances.
The formation of unions and associations has been a significant development in the domestic work sector. Unionization has empowered domestic workers, providing them with a collective voice to demand their rights and negotiate better working conditions. The Domestic Workers Union in Lahore, for instance, has successfully lobbied for the implementation of labor laws and social security benefits for its members.
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain in fully realizing the rights of domestic workers in Pakistan. One of the biggest challenges is the effective enforcement of existing laws. While legislative measures like the Domestic Workers Act, 2019, and the Sindh Home-Based Workers Act, 2018, are commendable, their implementation remains weak. Ensuring that these laws are enforced on the ground, with adequate monitoring and accountability mechanisms, is crucial.
Eliminating child labor in the domestic work sector requires a multifaceted approach. It involves not only strict enforcement of child labor laws but also addressing the root causes, such as poverty and lack of access to education. Comprehensive social protection programs, coupled with awareness campaigns, are essential to prevent children from being forced into domestic work. Societal attitudes and cultural norms play a significant role in the treatment of domestic workers. Addressing these deeply ingrained attitudes requires sustained efforts in awareness-raising and education. Campaigns that highlight the contributions of domestic workers and promote respect for their rights can help shift public perception and reduce discrimination and abuse.
Providing comprehensive social security coverage for domestic workers is vital to ensuring their well-being. This includes access to health care, pensions, and other social benefits. Expanding social security schemes to cover domestic workers and simplifying the registration process can help achieve this goal. Promoting decent work for domestic workers involves ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, safe working conditions, and protection from abuse. Employers should be educated about their responsibilities, and domestic workers should be empowered to negotiate their terms of employment. Mechanisms for grievance redressal and access to justice must be strengthened to protect the rights of domestic workers.
International Domestic Workers Day serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles and achievements in the fight for the rights of domestic workers in Pakistan. While significant progress has been made, particularly in terms of legislative reforms and increased awareness, much remains to be done. Ensuring the effective implementation of laws, addressing child labor, changing societal attitudes, strengthening social security, and promoting decent work are essential steps toward realizing the rights and dignity of domestic workers.
As Pakistan continues its journey toward social justice and equality, the recognition and protection of domestic workers must remain a priority. Their contributions to households and the economy are invaluable, and ensuring their rights is not just a matter of legal obligation but also a moral imperative. On this International Domestic Workers Day, the commitment to advocating for the rights of domestic workers and working towards a more just and equitable society for all is renewed.