Women and Inequality in a Changing World: Exploring New Paradigms for Peace Read Along
In the next chapter of the Edited Volume, “The Untapped Potential of the Human Security Paradigm for Indian Women Construction Workers: The Gender, Agency, Human Security Nexus” the author, Chantal A. Krcmar examines the multifaceted realities of women working within India's construction industry.
https://www.routledge.com/Women-and-Inequality-in-a-Changing-World-Exploring-New-Paradigms-for-Peace/Mahmoudi-Parpart-Seaman/p/book/9781032250649
Through compelling stories and insightful reflections, Krcmar showcases how women in the construction industry exercise agency in various ways. Whether striving for financial independence or nurturing aspirations for their children, these women embody resilience and resourcefulness amidst the challenges they face.
Krcmar further examines the concept of agency, challenging the Western model and emphasizing the importance of understanding agency within diverse cultural contexts. By showcasing the varied manifestations of agency among Indian women construction workers, the chapter emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and culturally sensitive approach to empowerment, challenging the notion that autonomy is the sole indicator of agency.
The chapter also addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indian women construction workers, particularly in terms of their financial self-sufficiency and overall Human Security. Despite their efforts, women continue to face gendered constraints within the construction industry and broader societal structures. The lack of implementation of legislation designed to support construction workers, such as the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, further exacerbates their vulnerabilities.
This critical examination of agency not only deepens our understanding of women's experiences but also lays the groundwork for more equitable and empowering interventions in the construction industry.
About the Author:
Eden is a Graduate Assistant with the Baha’i Chair for World Peace. She is attending the University of Maryland and pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Care Management. She graduated from the University of Maryland in 2023 with a B.S. in Public Health Science. Her interests are in health disparities and policy.
