DELHI: Back in May 2019, we were visiting a large garment factory in Arsikere, Karnataka when we asked some of the workers, “What would you do if you got Saturdays off?” Their responses to this simple question summed up their priorities. A majority said they would spend time with family or friends and take care of their children. Many said they would use this time to relax or do household chores. Only a few said they’d look for additional pay.

Since garment factories in India are characterized by a predominantly female labor force, it seems almost obvious that a shorter workweek would not only give existing female workers a better work-life balance, but also incentivize prospective women to join the workforce — many of whom are bound by other time constraints.

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