Iqbal Maish
Published on Nov 20, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
For many years, people have had child slavery. These children would work from dawn to dusk in the fields, stuffy carpet factories, or even dark mines. That was until Iqbal Masih decided to make a stand.
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IQBAL'S LIFE
Iqbal was born in 1982 in Muridke, Pakistan. At the age of four, Iqbal was sent to work for a carpet manufacturer for his brother's wedding. This concept was called pegshi. Though he enjoyed the feast, the next day would be a horror.
For six years, Iqbal worked as a child slave for this carpet factory to pay the debt his family owned. He worked at least 6 days a week and 14 hours a day.
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Working conditions were atrocious. The rooms were painfully torrid with plenty of dust and dirt in the air. If any of the child slaves were caught daydreaming, talking, or creating the carpet incorrectly, they were punished.
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One day, Iqbal had heard a meeting held by the Bonded Labor Liberation Front. This organization had been working against child labor. Iqbal was overjoyed to find others with the same perspective of his. As a result, Iqbal Masih collaborated with the president of the organization, Eshan Khan, and received aid in getting the paperwork to free himself and his fellow workers.
Although he was free, Iqbal wanted to continue liberating other slaves. After he attended the school provided by BLLF, Iqbal and Eshan Khan became partners. They both persisted on the fight against child labor. Iqbal led and was involved in many rallies, demonstrations, and meetings. He sometimes went undercover in labor camps to speak to the children slaves.
Iqbal Masih's words touched everyone. Some awards Iqbal won was Reebok Humane Rights Award and the World's Children Prize.
On Easter Sunday of 1995, heaven gained a heroic angel. Iqbal Masih was killed on April 16. He was just thirteen years old. His murders have never been found, but are called the Carpet Mafia. Though he may not be alive, we must finish the fight Iqbal kindled against child slavery.
Today, Iqbal has become a symbol of the resistance of child labor and the mission to free all children from slavery. Many have started organizational in inspiration of Iqbal's doings. Though he may not be alive, Iqbal, his story, and his battle will live on.
"I just beg of you, don't forget. Tell somebody our story. Tell everybody our story. So that the memory will not be lost.
That's the only way to keep Iqbal at our sides forever."
Iqbal, pg. 119-120
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