Women in the Unorganized Sector of India

Book excerpt: According to the final report of India's National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector, released in April 2009, workers in the unorganized (or informal) sector constitute more than 93 percent of the total workforce of India. Unorganized sector workers are those who do not have any job security, income security, or social security. The problems that confront women workers in the unorganized sector deserve special emphasis in view of their marginalized position. A considerable portion of their time is consumed by both socially productive labor and reproductive labor. This is what is called the double burden of work that distinguishes women from men. Gender division in labor has implications for the wages earned, permanency in the job, and the possibilities for upward mobility in the industry. The overall picture that emerges is one of greater disadvantage for women workers, in particular, those living in rural areas, as well as those in scheduled caste/scheduled tribes. This book examines the problems for women in the unorganized sector of India. The government's policies and programs that address these problems are discussed. The book also includes a case study of women in the embroidery industry of Surat City of the state of Gujarat.