Home / Current Issue / Paper 1715831
A Study of Invisible Women Worker in Home Based Work and Absence of Their Social Security
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Security and Women Empowerment
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1715831
Abstract
Home-based work forms a significant yet invisible part of India’s informal economy, employing a large number of women. This study examines the socio-economic conditions, occupational health issues, and access to social security among 50 female home-based workers engaged in activities like beedi rolling, embroidery, and stitching. The findings reveal low income levels, limited education, and poor bargaining power among workers. A majority earn between ₹3,001–₹6,000 per month, which is insufficient for basic needs. Occupational health issues are common, with many workers suffering from back pain and eye strain due to poor working conditions. The study also identifies a major gap in social security access, with most workers not registered under government schemes due to lack of awareness and complex procedures. It concludes that despite policy efforts, home-based workers remain marginalized and highlights the need for improved awareness, easier registration processes, and better health support.
Keywords
Home-based Workers, Informal Economy, Social Security, Occupational Health, Women’s Labour
References
[1] Banerjee, N., & Rani, U. (2018). Home-based garment workers in India: Exploitation and resistance. Economic and Political Weekly, 53(17), 45–53.
[2] Bhatt, E. (2010). We are poor but so many: The story of self-employed women in India. Oxford University Press.
[3] Chen, M. A. (2001). Recognizing informal workers in the global economy. Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University.
[4] Das, P., & Kundu, S. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on informal women workers in India. Indian Journal of Gender Studies, 29(2), 215–234.
[5] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2015). Home-based workers in the global economy: Invisible and exploited. Geneva: ILO.
[6] International Labour Organization (ILO). (2020). World social protection report 2020–22: Social protection at the crossroads – in pursuit of a better future. Geneva: ILO.
[7] Kumar, A., & Jha, P. (2021). Invisible women: Home-based workers in urban India. Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 64(3), 567–584.
[8] Mehrotra, S., & Biggeri, M. (2007). Asian informal workers: Global risks, local protection. Routledge.
[9] National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector (NCEUS). (2007). Report on conditions of work and promotion of livelihoods in the unorganised sector. New Delhi: Government of India.
[10] Sankaran, K., Madheswaran, S., & Vani, B. P. (2011). Gender wage discrimination and informal employment in India. Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 54(2), 301–326.
[11] Singh, A., & Sapra, S. (2013). Women bidi workers in India: Labouring under health hazards. New Delhi: Centre for Women’s Development Studies (CWDS).
[12] Standing, G. (1999). Global labour flexibility: Seeking distributive justice. Palgrave Macmillan.
[13] Swaminathan, M. (2012). Women workers in the informal economy: An analysis of employment, wages, and social security. Economic and Political Weekly, 47(21), 67–74.
[14] Unni, J., & Rani, U. (2003). Women workers in the informal economy: A global picture. Geneva: International Labour Office.
[15] World Bank. (2019). Informal workers and social protection in South Asia. Washington, DC: World Bank.
How to cite this paper
@article{1715831,
author = {Hiral Agrawal, Dr. Dipak Makwana, Dr. M. N. Parmar},
title = {A Study of Invisible Women Worker in Home Based Work and Absence of Their Social Security},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {187-192},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715831.pdf},
abstract = {Home-based work forms a significant yet invisible part of India’s informal economy, employing a large number of women. This study examines the socio-economic conditions, occupational health issues, and access to social security among 50 female home-based workers engaged in activities like beedi rolling, embroidery, and stitching. The findings reveal low income levels, limited education, and poor bargaining power among workers. A majority earn between ₹3,001–₹6,000 per month, which is insufficient for basic needs. Occupational health issues are common, with many workers suffering from back pain and eye strain due to poor working conditions. The study also identifies a major gap in social security access, with most workers not registered under government schemes due to lack of awareness and complex procedures. It concludes that despite policy efforts, home-based workers remain marginalized and highlights the need for improved awareness, easier registration processes, and better health support.},
keywords = {Home-based Workers, Informal Economy, Social Security, Occupational Health, Women’s Labour},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1715831}
}