Working Environment in Various Industries: A Study on Working Women

Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Various Industries

Abstract

Women are almost unskilled laborers and they face serious problems related to work, viz., wage discrimination, gender and sexual harassment, unhealthy job relationship, lower wages; despite these, construction industry over whelming attracts female workers. Their skills are never upgraded as they are allowed to perform only certain types of work and usually they assist the male work force. India is one of the fastest growing economies of the world. There are several policies adopted by Government of India for the development of infrastructure for the country’s economic development. Construction industry is the key for the success of the globalization of Indian economy. Construction sector is providing employment to 7% of total world employment. The findings of the study show that women workers are seemingly empowered socially and economically through their involvement in corporate sector. But female workers face restrictions from their male family members when they intend to join the industry, which is similar to structural violence within the household. Additionally, female workers face structural violence from the very beginning of their joining the garment industry. Employers can easily exploit women by giving them a low salary, not ensuring their proper working environment, not allowing them holidays, and harassing them physically and mentally.