| Abstract: | Child labor, particularly child domestic labor, remains a severe issue in the developing world,
with Nefas Silk, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serving as a poignant example. Despite international
efforts and local studies, millions of children continue to endure exploitation and abuse in
hazardous forms of work, driven by factors such as pervasive poverty, limited educational
opportunities, and the demand for inexpensive labor.
This qualitative study aimed to deepen understanding through in-depth interviews with key
stakeholders, including trafficked children, counselors, employers, and law enforcement
personnel. The analysis illuminated the harsh realities faced by trafficked children, including
grueling working conditions, physical and emotional abuse, unpaid labor, substandard living
conditions, social isolation, and significant health challenges.
Key findings underscored the complex interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors that
perpetuate the demand for child labor in domestic settings. Effective strategies to combat child
domestic labor must encompass legislative reforms to protect children's rights, improved access
to education as a preventive measure, community empowerment initiatives to change social
norms, and strengthened multi-sectorial collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, and
international organizations.
In conclusion, addressing child labor requires a holistic approach that integrates legislative
measures, educational interventions, community mobilization, and collaborative efforts. The
study recommends specific, actionable steps tailored to the findings to guide policy and practice
effectively, aiming to create a safer environment where all children are protected from
exploitation and empowered to pursue their full potential. |
