Women, Work, and Wellbeing: Health Risks and Policy Implications for Embroidery Artisans in India’s Informal Sector

Background Hand embroidery is a culturally significant craft and key source of livelihood for women in rural India, particularly in regions like Kutch-Bhuj, Gujarat. Despite its socioeconomic value, the sector is dominated by informal, home-based work arrangements lacking occupational safety measures and consistent health surveillance. Artisans, predominantly women, are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, yet systematic data on these exposures and associated health outcomes are limited. Materials and methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 101 female embroidery workers from artisan clusters in Kutch-Bhuj. Eligible participants were women aged 18 years or older with at least two years of embroidery experience. Data were collected using structured interviews and validated tools, including adapted ATS and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements, vision screening, blood pressure, haemoglobin, and random blood sugar were assessed using standardized protocols. Workplace illumination was measured against Indian standards. Results The workforce was predominantly older (mean age 45.9 years), socially disadvantaged, and largely illiterate. Nearly two-thirds had over ten years of work experience. High burdens of health problems were identified: anaemia (61.4%), overweight/obesity (34.6%), and hypertension (15.9%). Musculoskeletal complaints affected 58.4%, chiefly the lower back and neck. Eye-related symptoms were widespread (60.4%), with 54.9% exhibiting far vision impairment and 36.6% near vision impairment; depth perception and peripheral vision deficits were also common. Suboptimal workplace lighting and ergonomics were noted. Conclusion Women embroidery workers in Kutch-Bhuj face a substantial burden of occupational exposures and related health morbidities, shaped by informal work arrangements and limited access to health interventions. Findings underscore the urgency of integrating occupational health services with primary care, improving ergonomic and environmental conditions, and developing gender-responsive health education and social security programs to protect this vulnerable population.