Reimagining labour law through the lived experiences and collective strength of women beedi workers

My PhD explores the lived realities of women beedi workers in northern Telangana—how labour law manifests (or fails to) in their lives, and how they respond collectively. Using an intersectional feminist lens, I conducted a 10-month mixed-methods study: a survey of 320 women, 60 semi-structured interviews, two focus group discussions with union leaders and members, and key informant interviews with contractors, labour welfare officers, medical staff, and government officials. I also examined archival records and policy documents tracing the beedi industry's history of unionisation, legislation, and struggles for implementation.