Of the many categories of informal workers, homebased workers typically have the least security and lowest earnings. Homebased work is a growing global phenomenon, with over 100 million people working from their homes, in countries both rich and poor. The vast majority are women, who often face the double burden of performing both paid market work and unpaid care-giving work in their homes.

There are two types of homebased workers: homeworkers (also known as industrial outworkers), who carry out work for firms or their intermediaries, typically on a piece-rate basis, and self-employed or own account homebased workers, who independently produce and sell market-oriented goods or services in their homes.

Learn more about homebased workers, the challenges they face, and how their organization efforts are paying off.

Download the pdf: Homebased Workers (pdf 128 KB)

Urban Story

Homebased Garment Workers - The Impact of the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA)

Impact: There is arguably no greater gap in economic wealth and bargaining power than between the homebased garment worker and the owner of the large garment manufacturing or retail firm for which she produces. SEWA works with home based garment workers to increase their incomes, improve their equipment, and develop their skills.

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Publication

Jeemol Unni and Uma Rani. 2004. "Home-based Work in India : A Disappearing Continuum of Dependence?" Paper presented at the EGDI and UNU-WIDER Conference, Unlocking Human Potential: Linking the Informal and Formal Sectors, 17-18 September 2004, Helsinki , Finland.