Remarkable women in
India
We take an in-depth look at the individual and collective experiences of women transport workers in the urban railway sector in Delhi and in twin cities Hyderabad and Secunderabad, India.
“I feel very strong. Both as a housewife and a working woman.”
Why India?
We know from the ITF women railway workers survey that the role of women workers in public transport is crucial. The proportion of women employed has increased in recent years, but they remain underrepresented, and the sector is highly gendered. A large number of women railway workers from India participated in the 2022 survey, sharing their experiences of working in the sector and what changes are needed to improve their workplaces. We wanted to take the opportunity to go back to India and give women railway workers a voice to share their workplace experiences and how they are contributing to transform the industry from within and with the support of their unions.
“People who doubted me appreciate me today.”
The women transport workers featured talk frankly about their experiences of working in their various roles across the urban railway sector; both in terms of the positives as well as the challenges it presents them.
The increase in the number of women working within India’s urban rail transport sector has meant they have greater visibility, and an increased level of respect.
“Women are not weak. They fly planes, drive buses and metros.”
Many women, however, struggled in working conditions that were designed for men, or which were simply outmoded – including the lack of even basic sanitation,and having to work in extreme heat.
“This sector was designed with men in mind. But women work everywhere today.”
This highlights the need for women to be included at all stages of decision-making to ensure that.
“Our basic needs are not met because women are not in decision-making positions. It’s all men.”
There is a clear need to have more women involved in trade unions, to achieve a stronger voice through unity.
“Our demand for a better, safer, healthier workplace is not just our fight, we are fighting for everyone.”
Over the years, unions have played a pivotal role in the sector in ensuring that women come together and talk more openly about their issues. As a consequence, women are more aware of their rights, and the need to ask for better.
“As long as the railway continues to exist, women will be a part of it. And as long as there are obstacles, our fight will continue. We will fight as long as there are issues.”
With each victory, the women make the workplace a little better for everyone.
The work will be part of educational materials to be prepared for discussions with urban transport affiliates, allied organizations and multilateral institutions that work in public transportation.