By Sana Khalid
In the shadows of Pakistan’s cities and towns, these headlines from past few months are more than news; they are stark reminders of a terrifying everyday reality.
Different names, different faces, but the same distressing stories. These headlines unveil not isolated cases but the visible part of a troubling iceberg—a reality where innocence is shattered and human dignity is discarded. Welcome to the traumatic world of house maids abuse – a haunting truth that Pakistan’s society can no longer overlook.
It’s a harsh reality where the vulnerable, the voiceless, and the powerless endure in silence. It’s a reality where those entrusted with their well-being become their tormentors. These are not isolated cases; they are systemic, endemic, and utterly unacceptable. These are the stories that gnaw at our collective conscience, stories that demand answers.
The headlines loudly proclaim a sinister reality that needs to be highlighted. According to a 2022 report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a staggering 72% of domestic workers in the country have endured the horrors of abuse—physical, verbal, and sexual. These figures represent the painful experiences of real individuals and emphasize the pervasive nature of this issue. With deeper exploration, we will encounter stories that go beyond mere statistics, shedding light on the plight of those who have been failed by both the system and society.
Invisible Horrors: An Alarming Reality
In Pakistan, millions of women and girls toil as domestic helpers, driven by the noble cause of supporting their families. Among these unsung heroes are countless underage and prepubescent girls, often from lower and middle-income backgrounds, who endure the most unimaginable suffering. The abuse suffered by these young girls is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights and a severe breach of child labor laws.
A Disturbing Pattern of Abuse Over past few months, numerous cases have come to light, each revealing a disturbing pattern of abuse against minor maids. Among these cases is the heart-wrenching story of Rizwana, a 14-year-old who was allegedly subjected to brutal torment over several months at the hands of her employer – a civil judge’s wife, in Islamabad. Another grim account is that of 10-year-old Fatima, who allegedly suffered fatal abuse by a spiritual leader Pir Asad Shah in Ranipur, displaying clear signs of physical violence inflicted upon her. Another 13-year-old Maryam was subjected to torture and burns by her employers in Karachi. According to doctors, the victim sustained 40% burn injuries, and both of her legs have developed severe infections.
These cases, however, are not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger and deeply concerning trend. A qualitative study conducted by the International Labor Organization (ILO) in July 2022 revealed that one in every four households in the country employs a child in domestic work; predominantly girls aged 10 to 14 years.
A report published in January 2020 by civil society organizations, including the Hari Welfare Association (HWA), The Pakistan Institute of Labor Education and Research (PILER), and the Institute for Social Justice (ISJ), revealed that more than 140 cases of abuse, rape, and murder of child domestic workers were reported in the media over the past decade.
Exposing the Abusers: A Shocking Reality
When it comes to the people responsible for these acts, they come from all walks of life. Abusers could be male or female, young or old, from various social backgrounds, and even influential figures. But what unites them? It’s a disturbing propensity for cruelty and a deeply troubled mindset.
Such incidents happen because households, where these abuses occur, are challenging to monitor due to deeply rooted social norms that emphasize the sanctity of private spaces. Moreover, when the perpetrators come from the upper echelons of society, their influence often discourages law enforcement from taking effective action.Parent’s Role in the Tragedy
Tragically, parents perpetuate this cycle of abuse, dissuading their children from reporting due to fears of job loss, retribution, and an uncertain future. Adding to this distressing narrative, the majority of these girls have lost contact with their families. According to a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) survey, 72 percent of child workers lack means to reunite with their families, with 10 percent unaware of their family’s whereabouts. In some instances, parents seldom visit their daughters at their employers’ homes, prioritizing financial support over safety. Occasionally, parents accept settlements with abusers, bypassing legal channels, reinforcing the notion that money can absolve perpetrators. Government Initiatives: Progress and Challenges
In 2019, the government introduced the Domestic Workers Act to protect these vulnerable individuals, explicitly forbidding violence, exploitation, and abuse of child domestic workers and outlining minimum standards for their working conditions, such as a safe environment, a living wage, and rest periods. However, critics argue that the law is weak, lacking a clear definition of violence, substantial penalties for offenders, and mandatory registration of domestic workers, hampering effective enforcement.
Several cases, including those involving Pir Asad Shah and the judge’s wife, are currently under trial. Pir Asad Shah faces legal proceedings, while the judge’s wife is under investigation, having been granted interim bail. However, our legal system’s challenges raise uncertainty about justice being served due to potential weaknesses in our laws.
As we demand justice for Rizwana, Fatima, Maryam, and the many more innocent souls caught in this vicious cycle, we must recognize that their stories represent not only a severe violation of human rights but also a stain on our collective conscience. These incidents demand our unwavering commitment to ensuring the innocence and dignity of our nation’s most vulnerable children.
