Exploring Gender Differences in Child Labour: A Qualitative Study in Informal Work in District Swabi

Abstract

This study explores gender differences in child labor within informal work settings in District Swabi using a qualitative research approach. The main objective of the study is to understand how boys and girls experience child labor differently in terms of type of work, access to education, working conditions, and future aspirations. A phenomenological research design was adopted to capture the lived experiences of child laborers. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants, including working boys and girls engaged in informal sectors such as domestic work, workshops, and agriculture. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a clear gender-based division of labor, where boys are primarily involved in physically demanding and income-generating activities outside the home, while girls are largely confined to domestic and often invisible forms of work. The study also highlights significant gender disparities in education, with boys leaving school due to financial pressures and girls being denied education due to household responsibilities and cultural norms. Furthermore, the results indicate that boys face physical hardship and long working hours, whereas girls experience emotional stress, insecurity, and lack of recognition, particularly in domestic work environments. The study also identifies the critical role of parental decisions and societal expectations in shaping child labor practices. While poverty remains a key factor, deeply rooted cultural beliefs about gender roles further reinforce inequality. In terms of future aspirations, boys generally express a desire for better employment opportunities, whereas girls often have limited or uncertain expectations due to restricted opportunities. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that child labor in informal sectors is deeply gendered, requiring gender-sensitive policies and interventions. Addressing child labor effectively requires not only economic support for families but also efforts to challenge cultural norms and promote equal opportunities for both boys and girls.