The Impact of Trade and Globalization on Gender in India

A Case Study of Women Workers in the Fisheries Sector

Trade liberalisation based on comparative advantage has become an integral part of international relations in today’s globalising economy. According to some, trade liberalisation contributes to national development, resulting in a wide range of benefits such as increased employment, decreased wage differentials and enhanced access to technology. This particular study, supported by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), was conducted in order to explore the relationships between trade liberalisation and women employed in India’s fish processing industry. Our research team examined the correlation between the performance of the fisheries industry, particularly the export component, and its impact on women labourers engaged in the industry. Focusing on the states of Kerala (Kochi and Kollam districts) and Gujarat (Porbander and Junagarh districts), the study emphasized:

• Accessing and analysing the trend and growth in the fishery sector in post-liberalization India
• Studying the impact of liberalization on the women employed in the fish processing industry
• Identifying the roles that different stakeholders can play in order for women to benefit from the new trade regime

Our findings indicated that women were employed more in the processing sector and men in the fishing sector. Women employed in fish processing generally remained in the sector for a long time due to fewer incentives in other sectors, a high absorption capacity of the fisheries sector and a low-skill requirement. The study also revealed that female workers were employed for a far less average number of days than male workers, while also highlighting a much greaterincrease in workload and stress over the years for female workers as compared to male workers. The majority of workers perceived liberalisation as positive, claiming that a general increase in the earning capacity of women has helped them gain influence and participation in household decision-making processes.