Women Weavers in Women Weavers in Kurtipur, NepalKurtipur, Nepal

Kristin MeyerKristin Meyer

November, 2006November, 2006

A Framework Analysis of Labor, A Framework Analysis of Labor, Access & Control of ResourcesAccess & Control of Resources

Background on NepalBackground on Nepal

Among Poorest NationsAmong Poorest Nations Majority Rural PopulationsMajority Rural Populations New DemocracyNew Democracy Struggling EconomyStruggling Economy

– Male Migration to Gulf StatesMale Migration to Gulf States– Deregulated labor marketDeregulated labor market– Free trade policiesFree trade policies

Nepal PopulationNepal Population

Rural HsehldsOther Hsehlds

Total Population: 23 million

(Central Bureau of Statistics)

19m

4m

Weaving in NepalWeaving in Nepal

Ancient Task of WomenAncient Task of Women Promoted in 1960s Development Promoted in 1960s Development Factory-based and Home-based LaborFactory-based and Home-based Labor Major Contributor to EconomyMajor Contributor to Economy Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Valley:

95% of Production 95% of Production

Home-based WeavingHome-based Weaving

Subcontract with FactoriesSubcontract with Factories Provided Materials & EquipmentProvided Materials & Equipment Isolated EnvironmentIsolated Environment AdvocacyAdvocacy

– Negotiate with EmployersNegotiate with Employers– Earning IncomeEarning Income– Pursue Literacy/EducationPursue Literacy/Education

Case Study ParticipantsCase Study Participants

Married WomenMarried Women Ages 26-35Ages 26-35 9 of 10 eloped9 of 10 eloped HinduHindu Newar ethnic groupNewar ethnic group Began weaving at 13Began weaving at 13

Activities Analysis: ProductionActivities Analysis: Production

Production Role FA MA FC MC FE ME Locus Time

Weaving

Supplies Collection X X X Community Monthly+Order Collection X X Community Monthly+Wool Spinning X X X Home DailyWool Balling X X X Home/Factory DailyWeaving X X X Home DailyCarpet Delivery X X X Community Monthly+Contract Negot X X Community Monthly+Payment Collection X X Community Monthly+Recordkeeping X X Home DailyTraining Daughters X X Home DailyLiteracy Training X X Community Weekly+

Activities Analysis: ProductionActivities Analysis: ProductionProduction Role FA MA FC MC FE ME Locus Time

Poultry Purchase X X X X Community SeasonalPoultry Feeding X X X Home DailyEgg Collection X X X Home DailyEgg Sales X X Home Weekly+Poultry Slaughter X X X Home SeasonalMeat Storage X X X Home SeasonalMeat Sales X X X Home SeasonalPoultry Breeding X X Home Seasonal

Other Labor

Agriculture Labor X X X X Community SeasonalConstruction Labor X X Community SeasonalOverseas Labor X Outside Seasonal

Agriculture

Activities Analysis: ReproductionActivities Analysis: ReproductionFA MA FC MC FE ME Locus Time

Meal PrepWater Collection X X X Community DailyGrocery Shopping X X X Community Weekly+Cleaning Kitchen X X X Home DailyWashing Cookware X X X Home DailyBreakfast Prep X X X Home DailyBreakfast Serving X X X Home DailyDinner Prep X X X Home DailyDinner Serving X X X Home DailyCollect Garden Greens X X X Home Seasonal

CaregivingSchool Transport X X X Community DailyTeacher Contact X X X Community Weekly+Child Rearing X X X X Home DailyChild Social Support X X X Home DailyChild Emotional Support X X Home DailyIn-law Fin Support X X Home DailyIn-law Social Support X X Home DailyIn-law Emotional Support X Home DailyHealth Care X X Home Monthly+

Reproduction Role

Activities Analysis: ReproductionActivities Analysis: ReproductionReproduction Role FA MA FC MC FE ME Locus Time

Household TasksCleaning Living Area X X X Home DailyWashing Clothing X X X Home DailyFinancial Mngmt X X Cmty/Home WeeklyReligious Rituals X X X Cmty/Home SeasonalH Employer Negot X X Community Weekly+

Household AgPlant Rice X X X Home SeasonalCultivate Rice X X X Home DailyWater Rice X X X Home DailyWeed Rice X X X Home DailyHarvest Rice X X X Home SeasonalStore Rice X X X Home SeasonalPlant Kitchen Garden X X X Home SeasonalCultivate K. Garden X X X Home DailyWater K. Garden X X X Home DailyWeed K. Garden X X X Home DailyHarvest K. Garden X X X Home SeasonalStore K. Greens X X X Home Seasonal

Access & Control Profile: Access & Control Profile: ResourcesResources

Access Control

Land M+F M

Ag Equipment M+F MWeaving Equipmt F F

LaborProduction M+F MReproduction F M

CapitalAg Capital M+F M/FWeaving Capital F M/FOther Capital M+F M/F

Education/Training M+F M

Resources

Access & Control Profile:Access & Control Profile:BenefitsBenefits

Access Control

Outside Income M+F M/F

Asset Ownership M M/F

In-Kind Goods M+F M/F

Education M+F M

Political Power M+F M/F

Benefits

Additional FactorsAdditional Factors

Male Migration for EmploymentMale Migration for Employment– More Female-headed HouseholdsMore Female-headed Households– Expanded Female ResponsibilityExpanded Female Responsibility

Economic RoleEconomic Role Community RoleCommunity Role

Greater Interest in EducationGreater Interest in Education Greater Involvement in PoliticsGreater Involvement in Politics Challenging Traditional Norms/BeliefsChallenging Traditional Norms/Beliefs