Working Conditions and Occupational Risks of Migrant Women (CTM Textile Factory Case Study)

Abstract

Introduction. Gender inequality in the workplace is not a new phenomenon, yet gender differences in working conditions and womenʼs involvement in the workplace are poorly understood. Women are often discriminated against in the workplace and their working conditions and wages are substandard. On their own, they are not always able to improve their working and social life and achieve better protection at work. This study aims to explore the working conditions and risks faced by migrant women working in one of the oldest and largest STM textile factories in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Materials and Methods. The purposive sample consisted of 240 migrant women from the STM textile factory. They were interviewed in four work colonies and outer residential areas through a series of interviews. The study utilizes mixed methods ‒ quantitative and qualitative. Observation, interview series were used to quantify the data and provide detailed qualitative information. Results. It was found that there were cases of injuries at work reported by the migrant women workers at CTM. Only in a few of the serious cases employees were monetarily compensated. Not all employees are provided with the essential protection kits for dealing with the hazardous chemicals and toxins therefore poor health, ailments and sores, fatigue, cramps were majorly reported by the respondents. Discrimination on the basis of gender, conditions of harassment, physical violence and other workplace hazards to mental, emotional, and physical health were reported by the migrant women workers. Discussion and Conclusion. The authors concluded that migrant women continue to work in hazardous conditions, putting their health at risk and becoming victims of exploitation. The findings underscore the need for inclusive policies and interventions, as well as a reassessment of existing labour practices, to address issues that contribute to the vulnerability of migrant workers. The article's contributions will be useful to regional authorities, labour and women's rights advocates who are interested in addressing the specific challenges of this vulnerable group. This empirical study may benefit scholars interested in the topics of gender, migration, and working conditions.