By Humera Aslam
International Labour Day, observed on 1st May, serves as a powerful reminder that the strength and progress of any nation rest on the shoulders of its workers. Pakistan is a land rich in resilience and hard work, yet what remains critically lacking is the effective delivery of justice and enforcement of rights.
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an event focused on the implementation of the Home-Based Workers (HBWs) law and the challenges surrounding it. It is a significant achievement that Pakistan is the first country in South Asia to have enacted legislation for home-based workers across all four provinces. However, despite this progress, the real issue lies in implementation.
To date, there has been little advancement in the registration of home-based workers, and they continue to be deprived of the rights and protections guaranteed under the law. These workers especially women play a vital role not only within their households but also in contributing to the national economy. Yet, their voices remain unheard, and it took more than two decades of struggle to even secure their legal recognition.
According to a survey conducted by the Labour Department, Government of Punjab (2022–23), this was the first comprehensive study of its kind on home-based and domestic workers. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of individuals aged 15 and above are engaged in this sector, with 11.5% from urban areas and 9.1% from rural regions. The gender distribution showed 29.7% women and 1.7% men formally accounted for, although the actual number of women workers is believed to be much higher due to underreporting.
Furthermore, 62.3% of home-based workers are own-account workers, while 12.2% are engaged on a piece-rate basis. A notable aspect is the involvement of family members 15.7% contribute to the work without any compensation. Despite their substantial contribution to the economy, these workers remain excluded from basic labour rights.
They lack access to safe working conditions, minimum wage protections, regulated working hours, harassment-free environments, the right to collective bargaining, and essential social security services. These are not privileges, they are fundamental human rights.
HomeNet Pakistan continues to advocate for the effective implementation of HBW laws, highlighting the systemic barriers and challenges that persist. If we, as a society, come together with collective will and commitment, meaningful change is not far away.
On this Labour Day, let us renew our commitment to justice. Let us pledge to raise our voices for workers’ rights and play our part in building a Pakistan where every worker is recognized, protected, and empowered.
Because real progress begins with fairness.
Pakistan Zindabad.
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