The Challenge
Dalit and Tribal communities in Tamil Nadu, India, face systemic discrimination and economic exploitation due to the entrenched caste system. Many workers in these communities, particularly women, are engaged in informal and low-paying occupations such as street vending, domestic work, and forest produce collection. They often lack access to fair wages, decent working conditions, and economic security. Additionally, limited awareness of their rights and lack of collective representation further exacerbate their vulnerability to exploitation and poverty.
The Project
The Tamil Nadu Labour Union (TNLU), with support from UnionAID, implemented a project to empower Dalit and Tribal workers through the formation of cooperatives and unions, vocational skills training, and advocacy for workers’ rights. Key activities included:
- Strengthening existing cooperatives and forming new ones to create sustainable economic opportunities.
- Establishing a domestic workers union to advocate for better wages and working conditions.
- Providing vocational skills training to enhance employability and income-generating capabilities.
- Educating workers on their rights and access to government welfare schemes.
- Promoting savings habits and creating a general fund to support education and emergencies.
Outcomes
Over the three years (August 2014 – June 2017), the project achieved significant progress:
Year One (August 2014 – July 2015)
- Strengthened existing cooperatives, including vegetable vendors, flower growers, and rural cobblers.
- Formed the Forest Produce Collectors Cooperative (150 members) and the Fish Vendors Cooperative (110 members).
- Organised 73 domestic workers into a union and provided vocational training to 174 workers.
- Established a general fund for savings, with 178 members contributing to support education and emergencies.
- Trained 42 trainers to educate others on cooperative management and advocacy.
Year Two (August 2015 – July 2016)
- Formed the Women Tailors Cooperative (152 members) and the Rag Pickers Cooperative (158 members).
- Provided vocational training to 105 Rag Pickers and 30 Women Tailors, improving their skills and income.
- Established credit unions in 13 slum areas, with 169 members contributing Rs. 100 monthly.
- Rag Pickers secured direct market access, increasing their daily income.
- Women Tailors opened two tailoring shops, improving their business stability.
Year Three (July 2016 – June 2017)
- Formed the Street Vendors Cooperative (172 members), helping vendors secure better business locations.
- Provided vocational training to 97 Street Vendors, with 173 members trained by peer trainers.
- Carried out financial savings training in 13 slum areas – 39 members trained and they trained 115 other members.
- Street Vendors secured approval for business locations and began obtaining National Street Vendors Protection ID Cards.
- Trained members to advocate for their rights with local authorities and police.
Why This Matters
Dalit and Tribal workers in Tamil Nadu are among the most marginalised groups in India, with nearly half living below the poverty line. By building cooperatives and unions, the project addressed systemic inequalities, reduced exploitation, and created pathways for economic independence. Empowering these workers not only improves their livelihoods but also strengthens their ability to advocate for their rights and influence policies that benefit their communities.
