With almost half the construction industry in India occupied by women workers, six of such Kolkata-based women said their work acts as a source of empowerment, enabling financial independence and aspacefor fostering camaraderie. They were speaking at a Womens Day function at a construction site of a residential housing complex.
After agriculture, construction is the second largest industry in India, contributing significantly to the economy. Although perceived as a male-dominated industry, a recent ministry of labour and employment data shows that 49% of construction workers are women. While there is no sexual segregation of labour, women workers feel a sense of comfort and camaraderie working alongside other women.