Socio-Economic Status of Female Brick Kiln Workers: A Study of District Multan

Abstract

Pakistan is a developing country where economic and social division has reduced women in subjugation. Their public role is mere the outcome of sweet will of the male members. The division of labour has further relegated them behind from the realm of decisions which is visible while having a close look upon the female workers of brick kilns of Multan. To maintain their sustained livelihood female have to work at brick kilns industry. Their fundamental human rights are being violated while ignoring the mechanism of social protection. The main objective of this study is to assess the socio-economic status of female workers and the level of their dependency. This study is descriptive and analytical by relying upon primary data. The data is collected from 250 females working on registered brick kilns with the help of convenient sampling. Descriptive statistics is used to analyze the data which include frequencies and percentage. The results show that females are working in very poor conditions with very low wages. They have to face mental and physical violence both at home and at kilns by their male cohorts. They get loans and are compelled to do bonded labour. Their children also work with them instead of getting education. They have to face various health issues and they do not have social security cards. They are not being treated as equal human beings. Finally, the study suggests that by increasing awareness among female workers their socio-economic status can be raised and they will be able to lead their lives with dignity.