Call to provide proper legal safeguards to female workers

LAHORE: Thousands of female domestic workers endure harassment, abuse, and exploitation due to inadequate legal safeguards, entrenched societal norms, and economic vulnerability in the country.

In a press statement, Arooma Shahzad, secretary general of the Domestic Workers Union (DWU) Monday highlighted importance of legal recognition of female domestic workers. Arooma said despite their essential contributions to households across the country, these women often face mistreatment that goes unnoticed, unreported, and unpunished.

She said such women’s domestic work should be recognised as formal employment and they should be accorded protection or benefits. She said Punjab's Domestic Workers Act 2019 addresses certain issues, harassment is not explicitly covered under the law. "This omission leaves domestic workers at the mercy of their employers, with limited avenues for justice," she explained.

Zauq Akhtar, Director of the Labour Research and Development Institute (LRDI) and Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF), said patriarchal norms and cultural attitudes exacerbate the issue.

These norms often devalue the contributions of women, making harassment and abuse of female domestic workers more acceptable in society. The isolated nature of domestic work creates a significant power imbalance between employers and workers. "Domestic workers often work alone, making them particularly vulnerable to coercion, exploitation, and harassment. Employers may misuse their position of authority to manipulate workers into performing tasks beyond their job description or even demand sexual favors," Akhtar said.

Economic dependence further complicates the issue. Shahzad noted that many domestic workers are reluctant to report abuse or harassment, fearing retaliation or loss of income vital for their families’ survival. She also criticised Pakistan's justice system, citing corruption, lack of awareness, and social pressures as barriers that prevent workers from seeking justice.

Despite these challenges, female domestic workers are beginning to organise and demand their rights. Organizations like DWU and PUWF are advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and protection from harassment and abuse. They are also conducting training and awareness programmes to educate workers about their rights and existing legal protections.

Labour leaders have called for urgent reforms to address the systemic issues faced by female domestic workers. They emphasise that strengthening labour laws and ensuring their proper implementation are essential steps toward promoting dignity, safety, and decent work for these workers.