Answer:

♤ Globalisation is a process in which people and countries are getting integrated economically and culturally, through trade, labor, information technology, travel, cultural exchanges, and mass media. . Besides other sections of Indian society, the

wave of globalisation has also touched economic and social lives of women profoundly. It has opened up various avenues for women workers-

o Formal sector- Various MNCs have opened up multiple economic pathways for women, thus making them more mobile and economically independent.

o Informal sector- Due to strengthened trade and export flows, absorption of women in main economic fold has grown significantly. Kutchcraft, an association of 110 craftswomen’s groups has generated over 6,000 job opportunities since India embarked on the path of globalisation.

o New jobs and higher pays, raise self–confidence, economic independence, and enhanced decision making power in financial and family settings. It has promoted equality between sexes, and challenged gender stereotypes.

♤ Globalization has a darker side as well as seen from following challenges-

o Gender inequalities in form of wage differentials and lesser career mobility in formal sector of economy. Unemployment, underemployment and temporary work are more common among women than among men.

o Health Hazards-Since availability or work is irregular particularly in unorganized sector, women are forced to work for 12 hours which gives rise to respiratory problems, pelvic inflammatory disease etc.

o Patriarchal attitude and cultural norms- Challenged by globalization often manifested in the form of violence, sexual offences, glass ceiling, domestic and workplace harassment etc.

o Gender insensitivity- Maternity benefits and minimum wages provisions are rarely enforced.

o Working in nights-Inadequate transport facilities and security for women working with call centers and EPZs makes them more vulnerable to crimes.

o Mechanisation- Several traditional industries where women work in large numbers like handloom and food processing have undergone changes in the forms of production with introduction of machines, power looms etc.

o Informalization: 95% of female workers are in unorganized sector. Globalisation has led to many MNCs outsourcing there production to cheap labor countries like India. For ex: sports, apparel etc. These women don’t have protection from labor laws or unions to articulate their problems.

In India, GDP could rise by 8% if the female/male ratio of workers went up by 10%. In the long run, it is necessary to mitigate the negative consequence of globalisation by enhancing women's skills, innovations, developing policies and insurance products to minimize risks, so as to create an enduring environment for their economic and social empowerment.