Gendering internal labour migration corridors: Migrant women workers in southern India’s garment industry
This report is based on a study to examine long-distance internal women’s labour migration in India's garment industry, highlighting their challenges and resilience. The study underscores the aspirations of migrant women workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It calls for gender sensitive policy making on labour migration to prevent trafficking of women workers into forced labour conditions.
The report is based on a qualitative study which explores the long-distance internal migration of young women from Jharkhand and Odisha to work in southern India's garment industry. It highlights their challenges and resilience, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on qualitative interviews across Kerala, Jharkhand, and Odisha in India, the research reveals the role of state policies and intermediation processes involved in mobilising migrant garment workers. The study critically examines policy frameworks, industry practices, and regional contexts, providing a comprehensive analysis of gendered processes of labour migration. It advocates for policies which aim to understand and address the complexities of women’s work and migration patterns to prevent ending up in forced labour conditions.