Solid Foundation, Solid Contributions: Women in the Brick Kiln Industry,

Mitha, Y., Anwar, M., Khan, N.S. and Pal, A.J.
ASR Publications, 1989.

Chapters: 1. General Introduction, 2. Inter-Industry Comparison, 3. Introduction to the Brick Kilns Study, Methodology, 4. Legal Position of the Brick Kilns, 5. Major Findings, 6. Felt Problems of Female Workers at the Kilns and Steps Recommended by these Workers to Improve their Working and Living Conditions, 7. Conclusions, 8. General Recommendations.

This publication is part of a three volume series of a study on "Patterns of Female Employment in Mining and Construction Industries" which was sponsored by the Women's Division in 1982. This study was conducted on the premise that in order to formulate policies for enhancing the role of women in the development process it is essential to collect and analyze data on the nature of female employment in different sectors of the national economy. The publication of this report in both English and Urdu was an attempt to disseminate the information that was collected, so that it could form a part of the process to bring about a change in the lives of these women. The study highlights the situation of women in the brick kiln, quarrying and construction sectors. While the focus is on work-related issues, such as working hours, the nature of the work, remuneration of women's labour, health issues, physical hazards, etc. other issues such as maternity leave, transportation, accommodation are also included. The study also highlights whether trade union organization makes any difference to these workers; and the attitudes of owners, male workers, and trade union leaders, towards women workers.

Key words: Women, Employment, Brick kiln industries, and Bonded labour.