Women in Tea Plantations: Empowerment or Compulsion? Insights from Golaghat, Assam

Women’s autonomy and empowerment, along with the advancement of their socio-economic, political, and health status, are crucial for ensuring their active participation as equal citizens. A significant dimension in this context is the informal economy in India, which employs 82 percent of the total number of working women (ILO, 2018). A feminist perspective on the informal sector unveils the strong impact of socio-cultural factors that devalue women’s familial contributions and care responsibilities, while simultaneously compelling them to make work choices that accommodate unpaid labour alongside paid employment, thereby rendering their economic contribution largely invisible and undervalued. The present paper is based on research examining the work motivations and challenges experienced by women tea plantation workers in the Golaghat district of Assam, a region recognised for its prominence in the tea industry. Drawing upon Sen’s capabilities perspective, the paper analyses the socio-economic profile of women tea plantation workers and explores the factors influencing them to take up and continue employment in tea plantations. The findings highlight the role of family traditions, financial hardships, caregiving responsibilities, and company-provided facilities as major factors influencing women’s motivation to work. The paper concludes with recommendations aimed at strengthening women’s capacities and promoting their holistic empowerment and well-being.