Introduction
Over the last few decades, there has been a noticeable shift in how women in India’s labour force are mobilising and resisting various forms of oppression and exploitation. This transformation is not only seen in urban areas among educated women, but also among women in informal sectors, rural regions, and marginalized communities. In this essay, we will analyze the changes in women’s mobilization strategies, the nature of their resistance, and the outcomes of these movements. Case studies will be used to illustrate these changes, supported by feminist theories and real-life examples.
Understanding Women’s Mobilization in the Labour Force
Mobilization refers to collective efforts by women workers to demand their rights, improve working conditions, or resist injustice. Traditionally, women’s participation in trade unions and labour movements was limited due to patriarchal norms, household responsibilities, and lack of awareness. However, recent years have seen increased participation of women across various sectors, with more autonomy, leadership, and strategic planning.
Key Changes in Mobilization and Resistance
1. Increased Visibility and Leadership
Women are no longer passive participants in protests—they are now leading them. For instance, in the All India ASHA Workers’ Union, female community health workers have mobilized on a national scale to demand better pay, job security, and recognition as formal workers. Their leadership has been instrumental in negotiating with state governments and raising awareness of exploitation in public health systems.
2. Use of Technology and Media
Digital platforms, social media, and mobile phones have empowered women to organize protests, spread awareness, and connect with other movements. The rise of hashtags like #MeToo in India showcased how technology enabled women to share experiences of workplace harassment and demand accountability from powerful institutions.
3. Coalition Building
Women are increasingly forming coalitions across sectors, caste, and regions. Domestic workers, sanitation workers, garment workers, and sex workers have united to create collective voices. For example, the National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM) has brought together women from multiple states to push for legal recognition and social security.
4. Intersectional Resistance
Modern mobilization acknowledges multiple layers of oppression—gender, caste, class, and religion. Dalit and Adivasi women have formed their own unions and movements, addressing issues specific to their social realities. The Bhim Mahila Sangathan is an example where Dalit women organize around both caste and labour rights.
Case Studies
1. The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)
SEWA, founded by Ela Bhatt in 1972, remains a pioneer in women’s labour organization. It started with women working in informal sectors like street vending, embroidery, and waste-picking. SEWA combined labour union efforts with cooperative models, providing access to credit, training, and health services. It showed how economic empowerment could be combined with collective resistance. Today, it has over 1.5 million members across India.
2. ASHA Workers’ Protest
ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers, primarily women, form the backbone of India’s rural healthcare system. Despite their crucial role, they are often underpaid and overworked. In 2020 and 2021, ASHA workers across states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar launched coordinated protests demanding better pay and recognition as government employees. Their persistence led to increased incentives and discussions around policy changes.
3. Farmers’ Protest (2020–2021)
Women played a key role in the historic farmers’ protests against the farm laws. Women farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh joined their male counterparts in large numbers, managing logistics, speaking at rallies, and organizing langars (community kitchens). Their participation highlighted the invisible role of women in agriculture and brought gender into mainstream agrarian discourse.
4. Garment Workers in Bengaluru
In 2016, thousands of women garment workers in Bengaluru protested against changes in the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) rules. The protest was spontaneous but effective. It led to the rollback of the government’s decision within days. The protest demonstrated the power of collective action by women in the industrial sector, challenging the idea that women are less likely to engage in aggressive resistance.
Impact of These Changes
- Women are gaining confidence and political consciousness.
- Gender-sensitive issues are being mainstreamed in labour policy discussions.
- There is increased recognition of unpaid and invisible work.
- New forms of unions and cooperatives are being formed, focusing on dignity, not just wages.
Feminist Perspectives
Feminist scholars argue that resistance is not just about confrontation but also about creating alternative systems. According to Silvia Federici, reclaiming the value of women’s unpaid and emotional labor is a form of resistance. Nancy Fraser highlights the need for ‘transformational justice’ where both redistribution and recognition are addressed. These theories align with the Indian context, where women resist both economic and social injustice.
Challenges Ahead
- Patriarchal backlash against women leaders.
- Lack of legal recognition for informal sector unions.
- Physical violence and repression during protests.
- Limited access to legal aid and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Conclusion
There has been a clear and significant change in the way women in India’s labour force are mobilising and putting up resistance. From grassroots movements to digital campaigns, women are asserting their rights, building solidarity, and challenging structures of exploitation. Their efforts are slowly transforming labour discourses and pushing for a more inclusive and just economy. To sustain this momentum, policy support, legal recognition, and societal change are essential. Women’s resistance is not just about economic justice; it is about reclaiming dignity, agency, and equality in all spheres of life.