Addressing the rights of domestic workers

LAHORE: The informal nature of domestic work in Pakistan remains largely unregulated, leading to widespread exploitation and abuse of domestic workers, particularly women and children.

Advocates are urging a collaborative effort from both the government and society to implement reforms that ensure fair wages, improved working conditions and legal protections for this vulnerable workforce.

Reports indicate that children and women are frequently coerced or threatened into domestic work, facing physical violence and psychological pressure. Such practices are illegal under international law, including conventions set forth by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Forced labour is prevalent in sectors that include agriculture, domestic work, and textiles, encompassing serious issues like child labour, debt bondage and human trafficking.

The plight of regular workers in Pakistan is equally concerning. Despite the country’s workforce being estimated at over 70 million, only about 1.5 million are registered with social security departments. Allowing minors to work as house servants raises ethical concerns and violates international norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Children employed in domestic work are often deprived of education, rest, and recreational activities, all crucial for their development. Even when minors are employed with parental consent, their engagement in strenuous or hazardous tasks can have detrimental effects on their physical and mental health.

Many children are forced to work in family-run power looms for extended hours after school, hampering their academic performance and overall development. This imbalance creates an unfair educational disadvantage, limiting their opportunities compared to peers who can focus solely on their studies.

Many domestic workers in Pakistan endure long hours -- often exceeding 12 hours a day -- yet still earn less than the minimum wage, constituting a critical violation of labour rights. To protect these workers, advocates propose the introduction of a legal framework akin to those in developed countries, establishing a national minimum wage for domestic workers based on hourly rates. Such measures would ensure fair compensation and legal protections for these workers.

In developed nations, domestic workers typically operate under formal contracts that include social security, medical benefits, and pension plans. Implementing similar practices in Pakistan could enhance financial stability and legal protections for household workers. Establishing labour inspection units or independent bodies to monitor working conditions in private homes would help ensure compliance with labour laws and enforce penalties for violations.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of fair compensation and dignified working conditions for domestic workers. Strengthening and enforcing labour laws that protect informal and domestic workers is essential. Legislation should mandate formal contracts, define working hours, and establish grievance mechanisms to protect workers’ rights.

Moreover, domestic workers could benefit from training and certification in specific tasks -- such as childcare, cooking, or cleaning -- thereby enhancing their employability and bargaining power in the labour market. Advocates also suggest developing an app that allows household workers to track their working hours and receive appropriate compensation, improving transparency and reducing exploitation.

As discussions continue, it is clear that a multifaceted approach involving the government, NGOs, and labour unions is necessary to formalize domestic work and ensure that domestic workers receive the respect, rights and protection they deserve.