Beyond the leaves: Unveiling the societal impact of research on the self-perceived quality of life among indigenous female tea garden workers

Abstract

Most indigenous women in the sub-Himalayan region of Northern Bengal have been engaged in wage labor within tea gardens. The payment system within these gardens has often lacked transparency, resulting in these workers receiving compensation below the legal minimum wage. This persistent uncertainty has had a profound impact on social behavior and self-satisfaction among the workforce. Notably, no prior study has explored the quality of life experienced by these women workers through a comprehensive examination of their perceptions, determinants, and narratives. The study, conducted in a district of West Bengal, meticulously selected 10 Tea Gardens (TGs) for investigation. This research project employs a mixed type of ethnographic data collection, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative methods, and utilizes the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The findings of the study reveal a consistent pattern of deprivation and inequality experienced by tribal women at various stages of their lives. Furthermore, the research outcomes have provided valuable insights into the overarching societal impacts, encapsulated as follows: 1) the self-reported quality of life sense of the tribal women merely touched by other researchers signifies that these women rarely lived a decent life with utmost priority in every aspect, such as their physical strength, psychological health, and societal well-being; 2) Policymakers can address the factors contributing to the challenges faced by these women, fostering improvements in their overall quality of life.