Gender and Labor in India's Informal Economy: Power, Precarity, and the Role of Artisanal Work

In this compelling episode of InterLinked, we explore the intersection of gender, labor, and economic agency in India’s informal sector. Shivali Yadav is joined by Ms. Hima Trisha, a researcher with extensive experience in gender studies, labor sociology, and the preservation of traditional crafts.Through an insightful discussion, we examine the structural inequalities shaping informal work, the resilience of women navigating precarious labor markets, and the evolving role of artisanal work in economic empowerment. Ms. Trisha shares her fieldwork experiences with rural-urban migrant workers and craft communities, shedding light on how gender dynamics influence economic opportunities.From factory floors to home-based textile artisans in Assam, we discuss whether community-led initiatives can provide sustainable alternatives to exploitative labor structures, policy interventions and the importance of feminist ethnography. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and highlights the power of research and advocacy in bridging the gap between legal frameworks and lived realities.