Breaking the cycle of child labor in Egypt: Exploring social and economic factors associated with child labor in Egypt for a sustainable future

Abstract

Child labor is a pressing social issue with significant implications for sustainability, particularly in Egypt. This study aims to identify the social and economic factors associated with the prevalence of child labor in Egyptian society. Using a descriptive analysis approach, we conducted interviews, administered questionnaires, and made observations among a representative sample of 478 working children from various areas in Cairo Governorate (Maadi, Helwan, and Al-Maasara) and Giza Governorate (Faisal, Al-Haram, and Dokki). Our findings reveal key factors contributing to child labor in Egypt. Firstly, the study highlights the substantial impact of low monthly income, rated as a high contributing factor (weighted relative weight of 89.21 %). Additionally, migration from rural to urban areas was found to have a moderate contribution (weighted relative weight of 76.33 %). Moreover, social traditions and customs within families encouraging child labor were rated as a moderate factor (weighted relative weight of 77.60 %). The study also identifies high school dropout rates (weighted relative weight of 87.94 %) and family disintegration (weighted relative weight of 88.29 %) as significant contributors to child labor. Lastly, through interviews with the working children, we identified several negative consequences of their early employment, including exposure to stress, fatigue, injuries, anemia, low morale due to verbal abuse and humiliation by employers, inclination towards smoking, violence, and loitering at night without purpose, deprivation of education and playtime, drug and alcohol addiction, and vulnerability to sexual harassment. These findings underscore the serious challenges that child labor poses to achieving sustainable development goals. Implementing comprehensive strategies is necessary to address this issue and ensure a sustainable future for Egypt.