Welcome to Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association :: Fighting Exploitation in the Sugar Industry
Welcome to Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association :: Fighting Exploitation in the Sugar Industry
The Indian sugar industry, valued at billions of dollars, is built on the backs of
over 2 million sugarcane workers who endure extreme hardships every day.
Despite their critical role in sustaining this massive industry, these workers
remain among the most vulnerable, subjected to forced labor, child exploitation,
debt bondage, sexual violence, and inhumane working conditions.
At the Indian Sugar Industry Workers Association (ISWA),
we are committed to ending these injustices by empowering workers
and ensuring that their rights are upheld. ISWA brings together trade unions, labor rights organizations,
and key stakeholders across the supply chain.
Behind Every Spoon of Sugar, There’s a Story of Struggle
1. Child Labor: Robbing Childhoods for Profit
Thousands of children are forced into sugarcane harvesting under hazardous conditions,
deprived of education and basic rights. With long working hours in blistering heat and
exposure to dangerous machinery, these children suffer severe health complications and
remain trapped in cycles of poverty and exploitation. ISWA is working to eliminate
child labor by holding companies accountable and ensuring strict enforcement of labor laws.
2. Sexual Abuse: A Culture of Silence and Fear
Female sugarcane workers face rampant sexual violence, harassment, and assault,
often at the hands of contractors, supervisors, and even landowners. Many women
are forced into silence due to fear of losing their livelihoods, with no access
to legal support or protection. ISWA is fighting to break this cycle by advocating
for zero-tolerance policies and ensuring gender-sensitive monitoring systems in sugar supply chains..
3. Forced Hysterectomies: A Cruel Violation of Women's Rights
A deeply disturbing reality in the sugar industry is the prevalence of forced hysterectomies
among women laborers. Many are coerced into undergoing the procedure to ensure they do not
take time off work due to menstruation or pregnancy. This gross violation of reproductive
rights has left thousands of women suffering from severe health consequences,
including hormonal imbalances and long-term medical complications.
ISWA is taking a stand against this inhumane practice, demanding urgent policy changes
and strict penalties for those responsible.
4. Injuries & Death: A Workplace without Safety
sugarcane workers face constant exposure to dangerous working conditions, leading to severe injuries,
amputations, and even death. The lack of safety gear, access to medical care, and enforcement
of occupational safety regulations only worsen their suffering. ISWA is working towards the
implementation of industry-wide safety standards and mandatory compensation policies for injured and deceased workers.
5. Debt Bondage: Modern Slavery in the Fields
Many sugarcane workers fall victim to debt bondage, trapped in exploitative labor arrangements
that force them to work under extreme conditions for meager wages. Contractors often withhold payments,
impose illegal deductions, and manipulate loan agreements, ensuring that workers remain permanently
indebted and unable to escape. ISWA is advocating for stronger legal protections and fair wages to break
these cycles of economic oppression.