Socio-economic Causes of Child Labor in Carpet Weaving Industry: A Case Study of Union Council Ali Wahan

The study was conducted in Union Council (UC) Ali Wahan, District Sukkur and the data was collected through purposive sampling. 50 respondents, all working girls in carpet weaving industry, were interviewed. Carpet weaving is hazardous work and children are prohibited to do. The result of study shows that 58% respondents were never enrolled to school. 84% respondents initiated work due to poverty, 44% respondents honorarium is Pak Rs. 2,001-2,500 per month (26 working days) and 56% respondents working hours are 48 hours in a week (06 days). 60% respondents father are illiterate. 74% respondents have not their own homes. 78% respondents faced physical injuries during work. 80% respondents feel backache due to long working hours or wrong posture during work. 66% respondents know that carpet weaving is hazardous work and not suitable them. 46% respondents believe that child labour in carpet weaving industry is decreasing. 80% respondents want to study instead of work. The study recommends that government as well as NGOs should introduce women empowerment/poverty uplifting programmes on grass root level. These programmes may consist on business management skills trainings and micro finance for mothers. Therefore they generate income instead of their children through child labour.