Manual for Value Chain Research on Homeworkers in the Garment Industry

Abstract

In developed and developing countries, grassroots organisations are trying to improve thelivelihoods of informal producers. Such organisations have been concerned in particular with thehome-based workers who carry out production tasks or provide services for the garmentindustry. Organisations such as the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) of India,and HomeNet International, both founding members of Women in the Informal Economy:Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO), have tried to provide homeworkers with informationand organisational strength. Women represent a majority of those working in the garmentsindustry, particularly in home based operations, where they are excluded from formal labourmarket protection and organisation.