WIEGO Policy Brief No. 35 examines how extreme heat is affecting the livelihoods of women home‑based workers in Delhi. Drawing on surveys with more than 300 workers, infrastructure mapping and interviews, it shows how the heat disrupts work – from reduced demand and productivity to rising health risks, care burdens and household costs. The brief highlights the resulting impacts on earnings and wellbeing and identifies key gaps in policy responses. It sets out practical, worker‑centred solutions – from climate‑responsive social protection to improved basic services – and calls for recognition of the home as a workplace in labour, housing and climate policy.
WIEGO is at the forefront of developing statistics and research to help audiences understand the informal economy. Our library includes over two decades-worth of informal economy research, policy analysis, statistics and documentation of organizing efforts.
