Women Labor Rights in Islam: Plight of Female Bonded Laborers in Brick-kiln Industry of Kasur

Abstract

Labor rights have been an area of keen interest across the globe. Islam, which is a widely practiced religion, provides a comprehensive framework regarding employer-employee relationships and hence, can be of value in this regard. Clear injunctions of Islam on the matter are further endorsed by the hadith of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). The present study is interested in exploring women’s labor rights in the Islamic tradition. It further investigates the plight of female bonded laborers in the brickkiln industry of Kasur and contrasts it with Islamic principles and Pakistan’s legal commitments. To execute the study plan, pure qualitative methods were used. Fifteen female laborers from five brick kilns of Kasur were recruited as study participants. Through in-dept  interviews and narrative analysis of the collected data it was found that forced labor, debt bondage, wage discrimination, and double burden on women is prevalent across the industry. It was also observed that female laborers have no control over any kind of financial resources and decision-making. Additionally, young children especially girls were found to be engaged in work too. With regards to remedying the issue at hand, it is felt that an awareness campaign about Islamic teachings concerning labor should be initiated. More importantly, implementation mechanisms of existing laws should be made effective, with an emphasis on improving the status of women laborers and their social reintegration.