South Karnataka Silk Industry: A Sociological Exploration of Women’s Health and Wellbeing (Author: Ms Sowmya B & Dr Manjula G K)

Abstract:

This study examines the sociological dimensions of women’s health and wellbeing in the South Karnataka’s silk industry, leveraging secondary data and existing literature.  The cultivation and production of silk through the rearing of silkworms, not only plays a crucial role in promoting regional economic development, but also holds immense potential for empowering women.  The study is mainly based on the secondary data regarding the participation of women in Sericultural operations in South Karnataka. Women constitute 60% of the sericulture workforce (Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, 2022) and 70% of women workers experience occupational health issues (ILO), 45% lack access to healthcare services (WHO).  This research investigates the prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals and poor working conditions, limited access to healthcare services, particularly reproductive healthcare, intersectional disparities in health outcomes based on caste, age, and education, work-life balance, and access to healthcare faced by women workers.  The findings highlight significant correlation between workplace conditions, social support, and women’s physical and mental wellbeing.  The study identifies policy gaps and recommends interventions to improve women’s health outcomes and promote gender-sensitive industrial practices. This study underscores the need for evidence-based interventions to address the sociological determinants of women’s health in South Karnataka’s silk industry.