Navigating care work, safety and informality in urban India
Executive Summary
This survey report provides critical insights into the lives of women domestic workers in Delhi NCR. It examines how structural barriers related to safety, transportation, and employment influence their economic agency.
The research identifies a significant triple burden that includes educational gaps, care responsibilities, and mobility constraints, which together reinforce marginalization. The findings indicate that most domestic workers are primary earners, yet their ability to participate fully in the workforce is limited by safety concerns in public spaces.
Many workers report feeling unsafe during evening commutes, which directly affects their earning potential. In addition, the heavy burden of unpaid care work at home often interferes with their professional responsibilities.
The report recommends the development of care support systems and improved transportation access to enable safer mobility. Addressing these interconnected challenges can help improve working conditions and strengthen the participation of domestic workers in the urban care economy.
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