Women Labourers in the Works of So. Dharman

In the present era, due to the advancement of civilization and technology, the participation of women in all sectors of society has become natural. The influence and involvement of young women have significantly increased. Yet, domestic responsibilities—such as household chores, child care, meeting family needs, and washing clothes—are still regarded as women’s duties alone. Because of poverty, women are forced to take up wage labour, work in construction, engage in plantation work, agricultural labour, and even dangerous tasks in firework factories. Poverty also compels young girls to work in beedi-rolling and fireworks industries from an early age. Despite performing the same tasks as men, women are paid lower wages. Before the onset of industrialization, agriculture formed the foundation of society. Women, like men, took part in cattle rearing, feeding livestock, and other agricultural duties. However, even today, society continues to treat women as subordinates. Balancing family responsibilities while advancing in the workforce remains a major challenge for women. Similarly, So. Dharman’s novels Koogai and Thoorvai highlight women’s subjugation and the injustices inflicted upon them. His works reveal the struggles of female labourers and critique the social structures that perpetuate inequality.