Precarious existence and deteriorating work conditions for women in India: implications for health

The Indian economy has experienced economic growth post-1991 but has demonstrated an inability to generate adequate employment and even less of "quality" employment for much of its labor force. This article is based on data collected from conversations with women workers on the theme of "women, work and health," with an emphasis on, one, task allotment and working conditions in the household; and two, those related to conditions of work at the worksite and the gendered experience of such work. While narratives cannot establish causality between particular work environments and related adverse outcomes, they nevertheless provide crucial insights into what is likely to be blighting these women's lives. Advocates of women's work outside their home need to pay attention to both their remuneration for work and the costs to their health and well-being of such employment, so that policies aimed at employment generation also are sensitive to the adverse outcomes of such employment.