Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern Asia (CLARISSA) was a transformative five-year initiative aimed at addressing some of the most severe forms of child labour in Bangladesh and Nepal. The programme places children at the centre of its action-research efforts to combat exploitative labour practices and foster systemic change.

CLARISSA used Systemic Action Research to explore the root causes and dynamics of child labour in sectors such as the leather industry in Bangladesh and the Adult Entertainment Sector in Nepal. A cornerstone of the programme is enabling children themselves to lead the research—collecting evidence, analyzing their realities, and designing interventions. This participatory model not only uplifts children’s voices but also emphasizes their agency, ensuring the solutions are rooted in their lived experiences.

One of the programme’s key innovations included piloting cash transfer mechanisms in Dhaka’s marginalized communities to alleviate the economic pressures driving families to rely on child labour. These initiatives are complemented by creative approaches like photo stories and exhibitions, where children document and share their realities, as seen in projects highlighting the impacts of COVID-19 on working children’s lives.

CLARISSA’s impact is evident in its data-driven advocacy efforts. For instance, its work in Nepal has shed light on the socio-economic factors that entrap children in exploitative sectors and this has sparked conversations on national policy reforms. Similarly, in Bangladesh, CLARISSA has brought attention to hazardous conditions in supply chains. The revelations have brought together businesses, communities, and policymakers to create safer alternatives for children.

True to its ethos, the programme has provided platforms for children to express themselves creatively and powerfully. Initiatives like the Hard Labour storytelling project offer immersive insights into the lives of working children, while podcasts amplify their mission on the global stage.

By prioritising collaboration among international organizations, local partners, and the children themselves, CLARISSA demonstrates how community-driven solutions can tackle complex challenges like child labour.

CLARISSA was managed by a consortium led by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).