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Crisis may push girls into child labor

By Wang Zhuoqiong (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-12 09:19

The global economic crisis could force more girls out of education and into child labor, experts said on the eve of World Day against Child Labour.

Over 100 million girls are involved in child labor worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s latest report. The crisis threatens girls in many ways.

"When families have to choose between educating a boy or a girl, the girl often loses out," said Guy Thijs, Deputy Regional Director, ILO Regional Office for Asia-Pacific. "Many are expected to give priority to household chores or economic activities over education and skills training."

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Females make up two-thirds of the world's illiterate population. "Investing in girls' education is particularly important," said Thijs, because the benefits trickle down from generation to generation.

Educated girls marry later, have fewer and healthier children, and ensure their own children are educated. "Putting girls into schools is one of the best investments any country can make."

The ILO report also highlights the exploitation of girls and warns that the crisis could force more girls out of education and into labor.

Boys are exploited too, it says, but girls endure additional hardships and face more risks.

"This is because girls are less likely than boys to be enrolled in schools," said Kathleen Speake, chief technical advisor of ILO in China.