Visible Work, Invisible Workers: A Study of Women Home Based Workers in Pakistan

Abstract The paper examines the socio-cultural and economic factors which are adversely affecting home based women workers; the interdependence of these factors and the needed intervention. It provides situational analysis and looks at those critical elements which construct the invisibility, vulnerability, social exclusion, gender disparity and vicious cycle of poverty among the home based women workers. This qualitative study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings indicated that women home based workers were invisible and unrecognized; bound by socio-cultural barriers; and lacking awareness and access to social protection facilities. Suggestions on relevant policies should be crafted to properly recognize the home based women workers, including the need for minimum wage legislation, social security benefits, proper skill training, a more permanent work, timely wages, housing facilities and access to loans and credits for this population