Women and Trade Unions in the Informal Sector

Abstract: This paper re-visits the notions of work and empowerment under the overarching framework of gender, in the city of Mumbai. By examining the gender dimension of informal work, the current work not only extends the sociological literature on labor, but also teases out the challenges, constraints and opportunities of women, and as well as highlights the socio-political context of work. The study will draw from qualitative research conducted on women hawkers and street vendors in different areas of Mumbai. This study is particularly topical in the context of India, where almost 94 % of total women workers (NSS Report No. 539, 2009-2010) work in the informal sector. Preliminary results indicate that, most women in Mumbai perceive their economic participation as a result of poverty and not necessarily empowering their lives.  Trapped under the devaluation of their own work, this paper will attempt to understand the role of trade unions in the lives of these women.

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