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 -2024):

• 300 domestic workers organized into local groups across Lahore and Sheikhupura districts.
• 450 domestic workers educated on their legal and labor rights.
• 250 domestic workers facilitated in registering with the PESSI
• 425 domestic workers provided with emergency relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 650 first aid kits distributed to domestic workers to promote occupational safety.
• 450 domestic workers participated in four seminars commemorating International Domestic Workers Day.
• 220 women domestic workers trained on labor rights, negotiation skills, psycho-social well-being, stress management, basic literacy, and reproductive health.
• 309 domestic workers trained on union objectives, leadership, community mobilization, women-specific labor laws, stress management, reproductive health, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), negotiation skills, child labor, ILO Convention 189, and feminism.
• 250 domestic workers joined Virtual Café sessions on domestic workers’ rights.
• 175 members of civil society, government officials, and union representatives participated in provincial stakeholder consultations.
• 5 media forums and TV talk shows organized to highlight the issues and rights of domestic workers.
• 6 Media Forum and social media campaign conducted on International Domestic Workers Day (16 June 2024), with an indirect outreach of over 1,100 individuals.
• 17 domestic workers provided with legal assistance in cases of violence.
• 2 radio programs aired to raise awareness about domestic workers’ concerns.
• 11 documentaries produced focusing on the dignity, rights, and legal protections for domestic workers, including promotion of the Punjab Domestic Workers Act, 2019.
• Women Domestic Workers Union Punjab successfully established and registered under the Punjab Industrial Relations Act, 2010.
• 6 networking meetings held with relevant government departments and stakeholders, including participation in the Tripartite Annual Conference in Islamabad, Labour Code No. 4 consultations by ILO and the Labour Department, and the Conference on Empowering Women by Recognizing Their Work.
• 24 WISE staff participated in two in-house training sessions on worker security and protection, aligned with NHRF guidelines, and on media monitoring and reporting through data research.
• 200 copies of a comprehensive information package promoting fair workplaces, legal compliance, and child labor awareness distributed in collaboration with housing societies.
• 100 flyers produced and disseminated on minimum wage rights, leave entitlements, and overtime benefits, as part of the Fair Free Home Campaign to raise awareness among employers and domestic workers.