Godavari to Gulf: Emigration of Dalit Women for Low-Paid Work

Abstract

Dalit women suffer from multiple forms of oppression and discrimination based on gender, caste and class prejudices. This article explores the context and ramifications of emigration to the Gulf by Dalit women hailing from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh who are mostly employed as domestic workers. Given the scarce opportunities at the place of origin, transnational migration has a meagre effect on the lives of Dalit women even as it contributes to earnings and the sustenance of household financial needs. This marginal gain, however, has a telling cost in terms of exploitative working conditions, adverse repercussions on mental and physical health as well as intra-family relations. The impact of migration on their overall welfare appears to be insignificant in the absence of state support in both origin and destination countries. The empirical analysis highlights that families of Dalit women, despite emigration, continue to reel under poverty, lack of education and remain exposed to exploitation, discrimination and state apathy.