Plight of the Bidi Rolling Women: An Observation Based Study of Socio- Economic Conditions

This paper focuses on the socio-economic and living conditions of the Bidi Rolling women of Tili village in district Sagar. This study is mere observation in a health camp during Field Exposure Visit for a task from Saksham Project, GFATM 7, counseling component, Nirmala Niketan, Mumbai .This includes information on the basis of interviews and case studies of women participated in the camp. Population of the village is below poverty line and 99% of the women population is working as a Bidi labour including young girls. Today, no doubt, the condition of the Bidi Rolling women is full of risk and worry. Though they are earning their livelihood by this profession, yet are fail to fulfill their needs. They are exploited by the contractors .As a result, they remain deprived and marginalized and are forced to become sex workers. They are involved in this profession from generation to generation but they are quite far from a social status. These women are mostly illiterate and looked down upon in the society. These women are victims of domestic violence and health problems. They are suffering from respiratory problems and STD's. Although the government has made some effort to improve the conditions by introducing legislation it is not strictly enforced. The key to improving these conditions lies in educating and training the women.