Rights & Dignity for Domestic Workers in Punjab

For years, the rights of domestic workers in Pakistan have been overlooked, lacking a legal framework for their labor protection. However, in February 2019, the Government of Punjab introduced the “Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019” to enforce their rights. This law aims to safeguard their rights, regulate their terms of employment, improve working conditions, and provide social protection and welfare. Despite its existence, the law has yet to be fully implemented.

WISE launched the project “Respect & Dignity of Domestic Workers” in collaboration with NHRF in 2019. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the law, organizing women domestic workers in various communities at the local level, and assisting in the formation of their union, duly registered with the Punjab Labor and Human Resource Department. Furthermore, we conducted baseline studies and critical analyses of domestic workers’ laws, generating valuable knowledge, and developed awareness and advocacy materials to support their cause.

Accomplishments (2019 -2023):

• 300 Domestic workers organized into local groups in districts of Lahore &
• 400 DWs are imparted with awareness about their legal and labor
• 250 DWs are facilitated in registration with
• 425 DWs are provided with emergency relief during COVID-19
• 650 First Aid kits were distributed among DWs for their occupational safety and
• 450 DWs attended four seminars on International Domestic Workers
• 1927 women domestic workers were imparted rights awareness on labor rights, Negotiation Skills, Psycho-Social well-being and Stress Management, Basic Literacy and Reproductive Health.
• 275 DWs were trained on “Leadership & Community Development”
• 175 joined Virtual Café on the rights of domestic
• 75 members of civil society, officials, joined 2 stakeholder consultations
• 5 Media forums and TV talk shows organized to highlight domestic worker’s
• 11 domestic workers were provided legal
• 02 Radio Programs organized to highlight domestic worker’s
• Produced ten (10) documentaries focusing on the rights and dignity of domestic workers.
• Established and registered the Women Domestic Workers Union, Punjab, in accordance with the “Punjab Industrial Relations Act, 2010.