Women wage labor in the garment industry in Fiji : problems and prospects | |
| Author | Prasad, Roshni D. |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. HS-90-19 |
| Subject(s) | Wages--Women--Fiji Clothing factories--Fiji |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Master of Science, School of Engineering and Technology |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. HS-90-19 |
| Abstract | In their eagerness to industrialiser most governments in developing nations today support the growth of garment manufacturing. This sector is also seen as the oldest industry with potential for backward linkages. This does not consider the working conditions of the laboring masses. The international "footloose" nature of the garment i11dustry makes it relatively insecure in the long run for the LDC ' s industrial development and job creation objectives . In Fiji, it is difficult to say whether or not the industry will prosper without any government concessions and favourable overseas markets in long term. Most of the workers in the industry tend to be women. Various reasons arc given why women rather than men are preferred for these jobs - ranging from "nimble fingers " to greater obedience . However , research findings reveals that these women are being exploited, both in terms of unhygienic and substandard working environment plus low wages . The women workers in the industry get subst1rntially below tax threshold income level, almost half of what their male counterparts get for similar job in other industries. Thus, this women fall at the lowest strata of the international division of labor, fncilit8tiug t he growth of the garment industry in the labour- cheap countries such as Fiji. The findings also show that most of the women come from poor, low income households where the need to work for them is due to circumstances rather than choice . They have very limited job opportunity other than working in the garment factories or as housemaids, the housemaid job being less desirable with the lower pay level and job status. Hence, t he garment factories provide opportunity to t he disadvantaged groups of women in society to engage in "free wage labor " and contribute some in come towards their household expenses. However, the poor and d b advantaged groups of women always have a limited choice given job discrimination and gender bias. Therefore, un less positive policy changes and political commitments are undertaken by various interest groups such as trade unions, government and NGOs, the women workers in the garment i11dustry will continue to be exploited . Fiji, being a small South Pacific economy , also has the disadvantage of a limited labor supply. Apart from Australia and New Zealand markets, other DC markets are located at considerable dist.1.1nces, adding to freight costs, and affecting the competitiveness . Thus, the macro outlook for the industry does not Appear too promising. |
| Year | 1990 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. HS-90-19 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology (SET) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Human Settlement (HS) |
| Chairperson(s) | Amin, A.T.M. Nurul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Weber, Karl E. ;Wickramanayake, B.W.E. |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1990 |