Child Labour and the Care Economy: Nepal’s Overlooked Development Challenge

During the International Youth Forum at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok in August, I represented Nepal alongside delegates from 61 countries. I shared Nepal’s experiences and insights with international delegates, raising a critical question: How can municipal and local governance ensure that protecting children from child labour becomes a core part of human rights responses, alongside inclusive education and legal safeguards?

This question highlights a stark reality in Nepal: 1.1 million children, nearly 15% of the child population, are engaged in labour, much of it hidden in the unpaid care economy. Children, particularly girls, are burdened with domestic and caregiving tasks that deprive them of education, freedom, and dignity. This is not just an economic or social issue; it is a fundamental human rights and gender equality challenge.

BC taking part in UN Conference

Many Nepali children wake up early to fetch water, cook, clean, care for siblings, or tend to livestock, often jeopardizing their health and safety. While society may label it as “helping the family,” it is, in fact, child labour: unpaid, unrecognized, and unprotected. This invisible work sustains households but comes at a significant cost: children miss out on learning and play, families remain trapped in intergenerational poverty, and exploitation becomes normalized. Globally, the International Labour Organization estimates that unpaid care work, if monetized, would amount to trillions of dollars, yet in Nepal, it is largely overlooked in policy and protection frameworks.

Child labor in the care economy is heavily influenced by gender. Girls typically take on the majority of household chores, while boys are more commonly seen working in construction, factories, or on the streets. This lack of visibility perpetuates harmful stereotypes: caregiving is often seen as a natural role for girls, mothers are often excluded from paid employment, and daughters are frequently taken out of school to fill in for gaps in adult care.

Addressing child labor in the care economy is not just about protecting children’s rights; it is also crucial for achieving gender equality and upholding the human rights of all children. Girls should have the freedom to pursue education, and women should have the opportunity to access meaningful employment.

Despite Nepal’s commitment to ending child labor through Alliance 8.7, current policies primarily focus on visible industrial work, neglecting the millions of girls engaged in unpaid domestic labor. This oversight leaves these girls vulnerable, without recognition, protection, or inclusion in human rights and gender equality frameworks.

Both global and local examples demonstrate that municipalities can take action:

– Acknowledge the Importance of the Care Economy – Include unpaid care work in national statistics, labor laws, and budgets.

– Enhance Support Services – Providing accessible childcare, early education, and safe community spaces can alleviate children’s care responsibilities.

– Strengthen Social Protection – Implementing cash transfers, school meal programs, and livelihood support can help prevent children from entering the labor force.

– Challenge Gender Stereotypes – Awareness campaigns can help dispel the notion that caregiving is inherently a female responsibility.

These measures are crucial for breaking the cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based exploitation.

A Call to Action

During my intervention in Bangkok, I emphasized the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of child rights, gender equality, and human rights. Putting an end to child exploitation through unpaid care labor is not only about stopping exploitation but also about promoting education, empowering women, and fostering inclusive, rights-based communities.

Nepal cannot achieve true equality as long as millions of children are invisible in the care economy. It is imperative that we acknowledge and redistribute care responsibilities, safeguard children’s rights, and ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Failing to take action will have negative consequences for our daughters, while taking action will help secure the nation’s future.

Suva BC is a dedicated professional in development and humanitarian work, holding a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Kathmandu University. She specializes in human rights, child protection, and humanitarian efforts, bringing practical experience and strategic insight to promote inclusive and rights-based initiatives. Suva is also expanding her knowledge in humanitarian diplomacy, governance, and partnership development to drive sustainable social change. Contact: [email protected]

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