Contribution of Women in the Weaving Industry of Varanasi, India

Abstract

The contribution of self-employed women workers engaged in household production in the silk weaving industry of Varanasi, India is explored. Generations of these women have been involved in weaving and most of them have seen either their mother or grandmother weaving. Most women are married into families who are also engaged in weaving. Women are not directly connected with the market and have minimal support from government or non-government organizations. Their work largely remains informal.