Reproductive health issues among young female factory workers: a case study of female garment workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia | |
| Author | Kanitha Veu |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-16-06 |
| Subject(s) | Women's clothing industry--Cambodia Women workers--Cambodia Clothing workers--Health and hygiene--Cambodia |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no.GD-16-06 |
| Abstract | The rapid growth of the industry in Cambodia has provided employment opportunities for young women, especially in the garment sector. Women are increasingly migrating to the capital in search of paid work to support themselves and financially assist their family. However, women in this age group face sexual and reproductive health challenges which may not be adequately addressed in these factory settings. The aim of the study was to examine factors that impact the sexual and reproductive health of young female garment workers. This study used a qualitative approach and primary data collected using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and non-participation observation. The study involved factory workers in the garment industry in Phnom Penh among women who had experienced pregnancies and those who had not. The study investigated that poverty and associated factors (socio-economic, living conditions, working conditions and role of garment factory) are key contributors of why young women garment workers' reproductive health issues are neglected in this population. Results from this study show that working conditions is one of the key factors impacting workers to access to health care. A cyclical nature was observed where low socio-economic (education, income) background led these women to work in low wage labor jobs and this has in turn resulted in poor living conditions and eventually also impacted their nutrition and reproductive health which in turn has an impact on their earning capacity and socio economic status. However, civil society institutions play an important role in contributing to the awareness on sexual and reproductive health issues in these factory areas; but the partnerships and resources are inadequate. Given the high reliance among these workers on family and friends for information and guidance on sexual and reproductive health concerns, including reliance on pharmacies and untrained health professionals, health intervention strategies need to take into account both potentially positive and negative influence that social networks can have. Recommendations for government, factories and civil society organizations are discussed facilitate structural level changes in order to impact young factory workers' reproductive health and wellbeing. |
| Year | 2016 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no.GD-16-06 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Chatterjee, Joyee S.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Kusakabe, Kyoko;Vilas Nitivattananon; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Consortium of Development Studies in Southeast Asia (CDSSEA), Thailand; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016 |