We organize impactful rallies & demonstrations to demand fair labor rights, equitable wages, & improved working conditions for home-based women workers across Pakistan
Assists home-based workers in forming & registering unions, empowering them to collectively negotiate for their rights & benefits with employers and authorities.
Through specialized training and advocacy initiatives, we educate workers on labor laws, safety standards, and strategies to amplify their voices and drive policy changes
The Home Based Women Workers’ Federation (HBWWF) , is a labor organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights of Pakistan’s home-based women workers in the textile, garments and glass bangles industries. Founded by Zehra Khan, who continues to serve as general secretary, HBWWF emerged from a 2005 research project that revealed the hidden exploitation of women workers who form a crucial yet unrecognized part of Pakistan’s economy and global supply chains..
We work to transform the lives of home-based women workers by:
Securing legal recognition and rights for home-based workers
Fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions
Advocating for universal social security coverage
Addressing gender-based discrimination and workplace harassment
Building collective power through worker organization and education
Connecting local struggles to global labor movements
What began as door-to-door organizing in Karachi has grown into a federation that has achieved landmark victories for workers’ rights. Through persistent grassroots organizing and strategic advocacy, we have
Successfully campaigned for the historic Sindh Home Based Workers Act of 2018
Secured minimum wage notifications for home-based workers
Contributed to the Pakistan Accord for workplace safety
Secured minimum wage notifications for home-based workers
Developed worker education programs on wage calculation and labor rights
Advanced proposals for universal social security coverage
HBWWF understands that home-based workers face multiple, intersecting challenges. Therefore, our holistic approach:
Combines labor rights advocacy with community organizing
Addresses both workplace exploitation and social, political and civic issues affecting workers
Builds women's leadership and collective decision-making power
Engages in policy advocacy while maintaining grassroots connections
Links local organizing with transnational labor solidarity
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