Women and Forced Labour: Evidence from the Southern French Agriculture Sector

Abstract
This study aims to examine and document the context and parameters that altogether render women migrant workers vulnerable to various degrees of exploitation in domestic supply chains of the agricultural industry in southern France from a Political Economy perspective. The case study finds that migrant workers have to navigate an industry where migrant labour is considered as an adjustment variable and whose labour rights are poorly protected. Gender inequality and discrimination, reinforce migrant workers livelihood pressures and vulnerability to undergo multiple abuses and violence, which altogether heightens their exposure to forced labour and the degree of coercion they may experience. Based on the result of a nine-months fieldwork study, the report provides new evidence and guidance to support policy and future research regarding the vulnerability of women workers to exploitation.

Key factors
Gender, Ethnicity/Religion, Migration, Legal framework, Labour recruitment, Economic structure and Supply Chains

Key outcomes
Forced Labour, Gender