Economic Exploitation of Female Bonded Labourers: A Qualitative Study of a Road Construction Site Workers in the Southern Punjab

Abstract

Bonded labour, in the form of debt bondage, is prevalent across various occupations, including road building sites. Women in this context are more vulnerable, as they are employed solely due to the financial obligations incurred by the male leader of their household. This research focuses on the phenomenon of female bonded labour from an anthropological perspective. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors and consequences of bonded labour on the social lives, working conditions, health, and gender dynamics of women. Qualitative research was conducted using a case study research design. In addition, unstructured interviews with females and their families were conducted. It was concluded that women worked in road building sites because they were stuck in the circle of debt from predecessors. They observed their parents work in this field as youngsters since they were perpetual migrants and never considered their children's education, and now they're old and their children are in the same predicament. Since they never left, this career caused poverty, low salaries, poor health, and gender issues. Poverty and inability to socialize children made huge families miserable. Workplace health facilities were inadequate on maternity, and delivery days. Self-medication and indigenous healing were used. They struggled with gender discrimination at work.