Social Justice

Globalization, technological advancement, demographic changes, increased global integration, climate change, among other factors, continue to influence the world of work. Additionally, the socio, political and economic shifts are having implications on the nature of work, the workforce and workplace relations, which are of concern for employers, governments and workers’ organisations. These changes pose both challenges as well as opportunities in realizing workers’ economic potential for a better tomorrow.

In a large labour surplus country like India, the informal sector continues to play a key role in generating much needed employment. The informal sector is characterised by decent work deficits - the Covid-19 pandemic has somewhat exacerbated inequalities in the labour markets, disproportionately affecting vulnerable workers. Gender inequalities have also concentrated women workers at the bottom of the global value chain and consequently absorbed in the lowest paid jobs, in piece-rate, subcontracted work, and other insecure forms of self-employment. There is an urgent need to promote social dialogue and ensure greater social justice, safe and healthy working conditions, and decent work for all, including within global supply chains.

Social protection systems need to be strengthened to reduce inequalities, support workers’ transitions and reintegration in labour markets and to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8. The FES endorses a progressive discourse on social protection, defined as an instrument to manage the risks to life, promote social cohesion, and to drive growth by boosting productivity and domestic demand.

In cooperation with its partners, the FES works towards addressing labour policy and implementation gaps, capacitates youth and women to encourage their participation in discourses concerning labour and conducts need-based training, research and outreach activities.

India has given a constitutional mandate providing equality to men and women in all walks of life. However, patriarchal mind-sets and the prevalent societal norms continue to exclude women from most decision-making positions. The gender disparities manifest in various discriminatory socio-economic indicators. A vigilant women’s movement and progressive laws have unfortunately still not made inroads into entrenched societal customs and practices.

Promoting socially just and sustainable development is at the core of FES India’s work on Gender and Social Justice. We support gender mainstreaming efforts to ensure that inequalities in politics and in the workforce, especially in informal work, are addressed meaningfully. In cooperation with our partners, we seek to create equal opportunities for all genders in order to enable equal political, economic and social participation for all members of society. Centring women in political space, participation and representation of gender specific issues and exploring India’s position on feminist foreign policy are at the centre stage of our work on women in politics.

The FES Genderlogue [gender-based dialogue] series is a recognised space for nationwide deliberations on the issues that matter to men, women and people of all genders and serves as a platform for gender sensitisation amongst youth. In the last five years [2017-2021], 22 genderlogues accomplished their consciousness raising mission with active participation of over 4000 students representing 68 educational institutes. Developing feminist perspectives on gender equality with a focus on change in mindsets is at the core of our gender sensitisation programmes.

FES India also wants to build bridges between the “established” activists and “new generation” movements and aims at integrating people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression with an objective of inter-generational and gender justice.