Economics of Work

Most women in Asia must work out of economic necessity. They have little choice as to the type of jobs they wish to take due to both high unemployment and poor education. The conditions under which they work are appalling, and their wages are much below that of men (in Thailand women earn about 16 baht a day - 90c NZ: whereas men would earn 20 baht a day - $1.00 NZ).

In the rural areas women must work in the fields, mind the children and do the domestic chores, but the money remains in the hands of the father. Many factories in Asia have adopted the policy of employing women and underaged girls in place of adult men as they can pay them lower wages.

Women also lend to be more submissive in their work situation, and their productive capacity is thus higher. There is no maternal leave and special care is not taken of pregnant women.

During times of economic recession, the older women and younger girls are disposed of. Women are thus exploited in work through unequal pay, appalling conditions, no job security and no avenues through which to voice their opinions.