Pakistan is failing its domestic workers, exposing them to exploitation, abuse, and economic insecurity due to the government’s lax enforcement of laws. Despite the Domestic Workers Act of 2019, Punjab, with over four million domestic workers, faces challenges in full implementation. The majority of these workers, including women and children, lack legal protection, with girls constituting a significant portion of child labor in this sector.
The 2019 Domestic Workers Act has inherent contradictions, such as setting the minimum working age at 15 years, conflicting with constitutional provisions, and offering only six weeks of maternity leave compared to 90 days in other laws. Calls have been made by NGO leaders for a dedicated fund, enforcement of the Rs 40,000 minimum wage, recognition of women’s economic contribution, and the introduction of skill development programs.
Civil society activist Amna Malik highlighted that Pakistan, despite ratifying ILO Convention 189 to protect domestic workers, still faces challenges. Most workers, predominantly uneducated women and girls, are highly vulnerable due to the sector’s undocumented nature, cash payments, and minimal enforcement of wage laws. Two women emphasized the need for substantial government support, citing NGOs’ limited impact, salary deductions for leave, and lack of medical assistance.
Shahnaz Ajmal, President of the Women Domestic Workers Union in Punjab, shared her personal experience of abuse and exploitation, addressing gender-based wage discrimination and advocating for social security cards for domestic workers. Syeda Kulsume Hai, Director General of Labour Welfare in Punjab, acknowledged gaps in the law and its rushed drafting.
