Gender and Globalization: Opportunities and Constraints Faced by Women in the Construction Industry in India

Abstract:
This article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by female construction workers in India. More specifically, it analyses the impacts of construction training programs conducted by the SEWA housing trust. The Self-Employed Women‟s Association (SEWA) is a registered trade union organizing women in the informal economy. Construction workers comprise about 8 per cent of SEWA‟s urban membership. SEWA‟s organizing has had several strategies, including advocacy for issuing of identity cards and for a national legislation that protects the rights of construction workers. As a registered trade union it has been able to use official negotiation channels with the government to advocate these issues. SEWA insurance cooperative has started a special accident insurance for construction workers. SEWA has provided training to its construction worker members through a sister organization, SEWA MHT, which was established in 1994 to focus on the members‟ housing and infrastructure-related needs. MHT training modules have aimed at enhancing the skills needed in construction work, but also literacy skills and training in conflict resolution and bargaining with contractors and employers. While these education initiatives are seen as important for empowering women construction workers in the local context, it is argued that they need to be accompanied by strategies that address inequalities at national and multinational scales.