A Qualitative Study on Exploitation and Vulnerabilities of Underage Girls Domestic Workers in Lahore

Abstract

Child domestic labour continues to be a major form of child exploitation in developing countries, especially in Pakistan, where young girls are hired on an unprotected and exploited basis to work in private homes. Domestic labour is hidden from view and it is easy for it to be neglected or abused, which is not the case for other types of child labour. This study aims to examine the vulnerabilities and exploitation of underage female domestic workers in Lahore, Pakistan. The data was collected by purposive sampling of labour inspectors, social workers, legal practitioners, child welfare representatives and human rights advocates using a qualitative research design. The results show that child girls are subject to a variety of different types of exploitation such as physical abuse, psychological abuse, lack of education, economic exploitation, limited freedom of movement, and social isolation. Children are also vulnerable due to poverty, gender discrimination and the fact that they do not have access to education and weak family support system. The study also revealed that abuse frequently is not reported due to domestic work being conducted in private households and minimal institutional oversight. It also finds that child domestic labour is not just an economic problem, but a serious violation of children's rights. Improving the protection system for children, raising community awareness, broadening educational opportunities and providing assistance to vulnerable families are critical to the reduction of domestic child labor involving girls.