Women's occupational health in globalization and development.

Abstract

The article describes the current process of globalization and its implications for development generally and for women, their work, and health. The article outlines positive impacts in terms of enhancing employment opportunities in nontraditional spheres, and negative impacts in the growth of poor quality, insecure jobs with weakened social support systems. The case study of women's work within export processing zones is used to explore these conditions and their health impacts. The case study and other evidence provides a profile of work-related health that arises from a mix of patterns of employment, work processes, living conditions, and reproductive rights. The observed problems are poorly recognized, poorly studied for their combined causes and outcomes, and poorly regulated. The article explores and reviews how the patterns of female employment affect women's ability to collectively confront the causes of ill health and the challenges to improving women's occupational health in these conditions.