Ahmed Mukhtar & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) marked the successful completion of its yearlong project, titled “Elimination & Prevention of Child Labor in Domestic Work,” in a concluding ceremony held at its National Headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday. The project, initiated in 2022 in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) Pakistan, aimed to combat child labor in domestic settings.
The ceremony, attended by 150 Guides, members, and guests from partner organizations, was graced by Mrs. Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, the Chief Guest, and Mr. Geir Thomas Tonstol, Country Director of the International Labor Organization Pakistan, who served as the Guest of Honor.
During the event, Mrs. Maria Maud Sabri, National Commissioner of the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, welcomed the guests and highlighted the project’s multifaceted approach. She mentioned that the project focused on raising awareness among Guides, sensitizing communities against child labor, and advocating for more compassionate treatment of children engaged in labor. Additionally, the project aimed to strengthen children involved in child labor through the “Each one, Teach one program.”
Mrs. Sabri shared the project’s remarkable achievements, revealing that nearly 20,000 Guides had participated in the activities, surpassing the initial target of 5000. The project also sensitized approximately 4000 teachers, headmistresses, and educational department officials, reaching out to 80,000 individuals with its message.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Geir Thomas Tonstol commended the Pakistan Girl Guides Association for its efforts in making the project a success. He expressed his belief that the project had cultivated empathy among participants for children engaged in domestic labor, fostering a deeper understanding of their plight. He also praised the “Each One Teach One” program, recognizing its potential as a robust tool to empower children involved in child labor.
Child Labor in Pakistan
Highlighting the importance of the cause, Mr. Tonstol emphasized the ILO’s commitment to social justice and the eradication of child labor. He noted the alarming global statistics, indicating that approximately 160 million children worldwide are engaged in child labor, with nearly half exposed to hazardous work conditions.
In Pakistan, the issue remains a challenge, with 8% of 10 to 14-year-old children involved in some form of work, as per the 2021 Pakistan Labor Force Survey. Despite these challenges, Mr. Tonstol praised the Pakistani Government’s ratification of key ILO conventions, illustrating its commitment to combating child labor.
Mrs. Mehnaz Aziz acknowledged the significant challenges faced by Pakistani children, including child labor, harassment, and abuse. She emphasized the urgent need to focus on the implementation of laws related to child rights and highlighted poverty and lack of education as primary factors contributing to child labor. Mrs. Aziz applauded the PGGA’s initiative for not only raising awareness about the issue but also actively educating and empowering children affected by child labor.
The ceremony featured a poignant skit presented by the Guides, shedding light on the plight of children engaged in domestic child labor and underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue. Additionally, a group discussion allowed Guides to share their experiences and success stories related to the project, enhancing the collective understanding of the challenges faced and the progress made in combating child labor in domestic work.
