Socio-economic situation of child labourers in peshawar, Pakistan: a study of peshawar, saddar

Abstract

This study focuses on the socio-economic situation of child labours in Peshawar's Saddar area. The study employed a quantitative research strategy, involving 70 child labourers from various professions. It paid attention to the demographic characteristics of child labourers, their financial and educational status, the nature of the work they did, and their working conditions. Structured interviews were used to collect data using snowball sampling techniques. And cross-tabulation used in the analysis using SPSS software. Based on the findings, most child labourers receive only primary education because they do not have the means to continue with their studies due to poverty. However, a lot of them are concerned about additional learning. Most of them start working before the age of ten, usually in a family with five or more members. The majority receive less than 400 rupees per day or week, and a very big percentage are employed in mechanical workshops without safety equipment. Such children are regularly employed for more than ten hours every day, which can have adverse consequences for their physical and psychological well-being. Frequently subject to verbal abuse, but continues to interact socially with peers daily. They are employed mostly due to financial necessity, and the majority of the income is used to sustain their families, especially fathers who are the breadwinners. It is essential to note that not many individuals are involved in child labours prevention programs, as most of them are focused on supporting household finances and do not have the time to concentrate on self-development programs.