- Child domestic work is a significant problem in India with over 12 million children engaged in domestic work, many as young as 10 years old. - Children often work long hours doing tasks like cleaning, cooking, and childcare with little pay. Many face physical, emotional, or sexual abuse by employers. - Poverty is a major driver as families see domestic work as a way to earn income or reduce expenses. Lack of access to education and job opportunities also contribute to the problem.

1. Child Domestic Work in India

6. ‘ There in the employer’s house I had to work a lot, from washing utensils, to fetching water and cooking; I also had to wash two cars there. They never gave me proper food- I only used to get two pieces of burnt bread and left over vegetables. I had to wake up at 4am. Whenever I said to them that I needed to sleep they used to say ‘didn’t you work in the agricultural field? So, why are you tired?’. I used to cry but they never loved me. I worked there for 6 months. Once I broke one glass and I was severely beaten by them.’ Former Child Domestic Worker, Usha, 15, Midnapore