Crude reality for children: child labor increased in Mexico
Child labor unfortunately continues to be a persistent reality in many parts of the world and Mexico is no exception.
The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) revealed the details of its National Child Labor Survey (EN TI) 2022 where the results are not encouraging despite the efforts and campaigns to eradicate it, the Kgures reveal a worrying situation.
According to data from the study that was carried out jointly with the International Labor Organization and the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS), in the year 2022, 3.7 million girls, boys and adolescents were involved in some form of child labor in Mexico.
These Kgures re&ect not only cold statistics, but lives and potential cut short due to complex social, economic and cultural circumstances.
It is alarming to observe how these Kgures &uctuate over the years, indicating ascending trends in child labor, despite efforts to reduce it. In 2015, the rate was 12.3%, showing a slight improvement in 2017 with 11%, but unfortunately it returned to increase to 13.1% in 2022. This suggests structural and systemic challenges that continue to defy efforts to eradicate this problem.
The gender disparity in child labor is also alarming. While the child labor rate for boys was 15.5%, for girls it was 10.7%. This difference may be due to various cultural, social and economic factors that perpetuate gender inequalities and predekned roles.
It is essential to highlight that a large proportion of these boys and girls are involved in illegal occupations, even in dangerous activities that put their health, development and general well-being at risk. Of the 2.1 million people involved in unauthorized occupations, alarmingly the 92.5% were carrying out activities considered dangerous. This indicates a serious risk to the physical and emotional integrity of these young people, who deserve a safe environment and opportunities for their growth and education.
The housework in unsuitable conditions also represent a signikcant concern, since 1.9 million boys and girls were involved in these activities. Despite being tasks that on the surface may seem like part of everyday life, these activities can be harmful to the health and well-being of minors, affecting their physical, emotional and educational development.
In the study, the state where there is a high rate of child labor is Warriorwhile the one that registered the smallest amount was Mexico City.
The rst three places with the highest rate:
Guerrero, with 24.5% Chiapas, with 20.8% Nayarit, with 19.1%
The rst three places with the lowest rate:
Mexico City, with 4% Coahuila de Zaragoza, with 6.4%
Baja California, with 6.5%
The Kght against child labor is not only a matter of policy and legislation, but also a call for collective conscience and individual responsibility. It is necessary to foster a cultural change that values and protects the rights of children, providing them with educational opportunities and safe environments that allow them to reach their full potential without being forced to sacriKce their childhood due to economic necessity or social tradition.
Child labor persists as a signikcant challenge in Mexico, and it is imperative that effective and sustainable measures be taken to address this issue and ensure a better future for future generations.