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Economy
Jun 23, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

India's Home-Based Workers Demand Equal Rights as ILO Convention Turns 30

AI Summary
As the ILO's Home Work Convention marks its 30th anniversary, India's home-based workers are demanding equal rights and better working conditions. Despite the convention's adoption in 1996, only 13 countries have ratified it, and India remains one of them. Home-based workers, mostly women, face low wages, long hours, and lack of social security.

The Plight of India's Home-Based Workers

New Delhi, India – Shehnaz Bano, a 38-year-old mother of two, sits on the dilapidated floor of her one-room home, stitching pieces for a new leather jacket. She earns a mere 100 rupees (about $1) for each piece, highlighting the struggles of India's home-based workers.

The Event Details: 30 Years of the ILO's Home Work Convention

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) adopted the Home Work Convention on June 20, 1996, recognizing home-based workers at the same level as traditional wage earners. However, only 13 countries have ratified it, and India has not, despite having one of the largest concentrations of home-based workers.

The Data Analysis: The State of Home-Based Workers in India

  • Nearly 260 million home-based workers worldwide, with 57% being women.
  • Home-based workers in India face low wages, long hours, and lack of social security.
  • Women home-based workers are often seen as an extension of household responsibility, leading to undervaluation of their work.

The Impact Analysis: The Struggle for Equal Rights

Labor rights activists and experts say the lack of recognition of home-based workers has deepened structural inequalities. Women home-based workers, in particular, face significant barriers, including invisibility, inadequate wages, and unsafe working conditions.

The Prediction: A Call for Change

As the ILO convention marks its 30th anniversary, home-based workers in India are demanding equal rights and better working conditions. Experts stress the need for better statistics, dedicated policies, and laws to protect home-based workers, particularly women. The focus must remain on visibility, fair pay, social protection, and a stronger collective voice for home-based workers.