On June 19, 2025, WISE organized a media orientation session titled “Plight of Child Domestic Workers – State Responsibilities & Role of Media,” bringing together over 40 journalists, media professionals, child rights advocates, and policymakers. The session aimed to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of violence against child domestic workers in Pakistan.

The objective was to enhance media understanding of the unique vulnerabilities faced by child domestic workers, examine the systemic violence they endure, and underscore the vital roles of the state and media in addressing and preventing such abuse.

Child domestic work remains one of the most concealed and unregulated forms of child labor. Often employed in private homes, many of these children—predominantly girls—are subjected to exploitation, neglect, and violence, with limited legal safeguards or visibility in mainstream discourse.

Key discussion points included national and international legal frameworks, state obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, challenges in reporting abuse and enforcing child protection mechanisms, ethical media practices, and strategies to amplify awareness and demand accountability.

The session concluded with a unified call for stronger collaboration and coordination among media, civil society, and government institutions to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of all child workers.