Invisible girls, visible harms: health, well-being, and safety among child domestic workers in Myanmar

Globally, an estimated 17.2 million children work as child domestic workers (CDWs), with nearly 3.7 million exposed to hazardous working conditions. Despite their prevalence, CDWs remain a hidden and hard-to-reach population. This study examines the hidden voices of CDWs in Myanmar, exploring their working conditions, experiences of abuse and isolation and the impact of being away from families on their well-being. In 2023, we conducted in-depth interviews with 33 former CDWs in Myanmar. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated from Burmese to English, and analysed using thematic analysis. Our study reveals most CDWs entered domestic work out of economic necessity, feeling obligated to help ease their families’ financial hardships. They endured long hours in hazardous conditions, often facing abuse and unfair compensation. They were also restricted from communicating with family and friends, leaving them isolated for extended periods. Despite these adversities, most participants chose to remain in their jobs, prioritizing their families over their own hardships. Even in the face of abuse, the findings illuminate the deep sense of duty and connection young CDWs feel toward their biological families. This study underscores the urgent need for policies and parental engagement to protect CDWs safety and healthy child development.