Women Workers in the Unorganised Sector: A Study of Working Conditions and Challenges in Virudhunagar District

Abstract

The study investigates the working conditions and challenges faced by women employed in the unorganised sector in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, with a focus on industries such as Printing, Match works, Fireworks, Textile etc. A total of 233 women from various informal sector occupations were surveyed to explore the impact of socio-economic factors such as marital status, family structure, and perceptions of working conditions on their work experiences. The unorganised sector of the region often exposes women to precarious employment with limited benefits, hazardous working conditions, and low wages. Using descriptive statistics and an Independent Sample t-test, the study analyzes the differences in perceptions and experiences of working conditions based on socio-demographic variables. The findings indicate that women face significant challenges, such as low wages, long working hours, unsafe working environments, and a lack of job security, especially in industries like fireworks and match works, which involve hazardous materials. Gender plays a crucial role, with female workers reporting worse working conditions than their male counterparts. Marital status and family structure also influence job satisfaction, as married women, particularly those from nuclear families, struggle to balance both work and domestic duties, leading to increased stress and fatigue. The t-test results show significant differences in the working conditions and perceptions of women based on marital status and family structure. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve job security, wages, and work-life balance for women in the unorganised sector. The findings advocate for gender-sensitive policies and support systems that address the unique challenges faced by women workers in these industries.