The story of Syeda X, a poor migrant woman living in the shanty towns around Delhi, is one of resilience and struggle. Over the course of 30 years, she worked more than 50 different jobs, from trimming jeans threads to stitching school bags and making toy guns. Despite her hard work, she earned meager wages, highlighting the precarious life of Indian home-based female workers.
Journalist Neha Dixit’s new book, “The Many Lives of Syeda X,” sheds light on the invisible lives of India’s neglected female home-based workers. These women, who make up a significant portion of India’s informal economy, face constant battles with poverty, precariousness, and wayward spouses. They are often the main breadwinners for their families, striving to earn enough to lift their children out of poverty.
The plight of home-based workers in India is a widespread issue, with over 17 million women out of the 41 million home workers in the country. Despite their significant contribution to the economy, these women lack social security and protection, making them vulnerable to exploitation and hardship.
Ms. Dixit’s narrative also highlights the role of these women in following the news cycle to find work. From stitching plastic dolls in spacesuits during Kalpana Chawla’s space mission to making masks resembling a rumored “monkey man” during a viral scare in Delhi, these women adapt to the demands of the market to secure employment.
However, the precarity of home-based work has increased in recent years, with changes in the nature of the industry leading to volatility and insecurity for these workers. While efforts have been made to protect the rights of home-based workers in other countries, India still lags behind in providing support and legislation for these women.
Despite the challenges they face, there have been instances of successful advocacy and collective action among home-based workers in India. From strikes for better pay to defending their rights against government agencies, these women have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Syeda X’s story is just one of many, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of India’s home-based female workers. As the global workforce continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and support the contributions of these women who form the backbone of the informal economy.
