In the bustling outskirts of Delhi, where sprawling shanty towns blur the line between survival and hope, lives Syeda X—a poignant symbol of India’s unseen female migrant workers. For over three decades, Syeda has navigated a labyrinth of more than 50 jobs, including trimming jeans threads, cooking savouries, and assembling toy guns for a meager 25 rupees for every 1,000 units. Her life, though marked by relentless toil, highlights the pervasive and often ignored reality of India’s female home-based workers.
The Protagonist of a New Book
Syeda X’s arduous journey is brought to light in “The Many Lives of Syeda X,” a compelling new book by journalist Neha Dixit. The book, which draws from over 10 years of reporting and more than 900 interviews, offers a deep dive into the precarious world of India’s informal employment sector. Dixit’s narrative shines a spotlight on the invisible struggles of home-based female workers—women who have largely remained on the fringes of societal and economic discussions.
Syeda’s story begins in the mid-1990s when she, along with her family, relocated to Delhi from Uttar Pradesh, fleeing the aftermath of religious riots. Over the years, Syeda’s relentless pursuit of work has seen her producing a myriad of goods, from tea strainers to door knobs, yet her earnings have remained a fraction of what her labor is worth. Her tale is emblematic of a larger issue—one that affects millions of women across India.
The Hidden Sector: Female Home-Based Workers
The plight of women like Syeda X is not unique but rather a reflection of a broader issue within India’s informal economy. Since being officially recognized as a distinct category in 2007, home-based workers—those who produce goods or services from their homes—have remained inadequately supported by legislation or policy. The sector has grown significantly, with over 80% of working women in India engaged in informal employment, and home-based work emerging as a dominant sector following agriculture.
Wiego, an organization supporting women in informal employment, estimated that by 2017-18, approximately 17 million of India’s 41 million home-based workers were women. This figure represents about 9% of total employment, with urban areas witnessing faster growth than rural regions. Yet, despite their numbers and contributions, these women lack social security and face an unrelenting battle with poverty and exploitation.
Challenges and Resilience
As outlined in Dixit’s book, Syeda X and her counterparts grapple with a lack of protection and face numerous hardships. Without formal contracts or set wages, they are at the mercy of arbitrary rates and conditions set by employers. Often working from home, they rely solely on informal networks for job opportunities and support, navigating a system that offers no safety nets.
The nature of their work is highly volatile, influenced by market demands and trends. For instance, during significant events like the 1999 Cricket World Cup or political elections, these women quickly adapt to produce themed items, such as footballs or party flags. This flexibility, however, comes at the cost of job stability and fair compensation.
Moreover, the impact of climate change and environmental factors exacerbates their difficulties. Waterlogging from monsoon rains can lead to the loss of materials and income, further straining their already fragile livelihoods.
Towards Change: A Glimmer of Hope
While the situation remains dire, there are efforts to improve conditions for home-based workers. Organizations like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) and various self-help groups offer some support, but the impact has been limited. Notably, strikes by female workers in Delhi and Tamil Nadu, such as the 2009 almond cleaners’ strike, have demonstrated their capacity for collective action and advocacy.
Yet, progress remains slow. The absence of comprehensive legislation and effective monitoring of working conditions continues to undermine these workers’ rights. The global context reveals that effective protection for home-based workers is possible when governments and trade unions collaborate, but such examples are sparse in India.
Syeda X’s story, as narrated by Neha Dixit, is a testament to the resilience and struggles of countless female migrant workers in India. It underscores the urgent need for greater recognition, protection, and support for this vital segment of the workforce. As India continues to grapple with economic disparities and informal employment issues, Syeda’s life reminds us of the pressing need to address the invisible labor that underpins much of the nation’s economy.
