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Socioeconomic conditions of women workers in Blue Nile Plastic Manufacturing Company in South East Ethiopia

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Anthropology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Int. Res. J. Social Sci., Volume 8, Issue (3), Pages 11-20, July,14 (2019)

Abstract

This study aims to assess the social and economic conditions of female workers at Blue Nile Plastic Packing and Craft Paper Manufacturing Industry in Bishoftu town, South Eastern Ethiopia. In order to meet this objective, the study has used mixed research approach. This research is also cross- sectional and descriptive in design. Interview, observation, Focus Group Discussion and survey data collection methods are used to complete the study. The findings indicate that women are majority of the workers in the plastic manufacturing factory under study. This is because of their low educational level and have been found to be more responsible, committed with job than men; and family economy has also forced them to work in the company. However, working conditions of women are in problematic situation in the company due to some reasons. This includes low salary, long working hours, shift work, poor working facilities, high temperature rate, exposure to chemicals, sexual harassments, high workload in the company and domestic responsibilities at home. The company therefore, needs to improve the working conditions by implementing the national code of conduct for industry workers. In particular, the company needs to evolve its own guidelines and regulations for the safety of women workers before losing vital labor force which is significant resource for development of the country.

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