PHASING OUT OF THE MFA: IMPACT ON WOMEN WORKERS IN THE MAURITIAN EPZ SECTOR

V. Tandrayen-Ragoobur and A. Ayrga
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Verena Tandrayen Ragoobur

Regional and Sectoral Economic Studies, 2012, vol. 12, issue 2

Abstract: The phasing out of the Multi-Fibre Agreement (MFA) in 2005 herald the end of protectionism in the textile industry and usher in tremendous opportunities and uncertainties for the textile industries in developing countries. The expiry of the MFA has led to the closure of several textile factories in Africa and with it job losses. This paper compares the welfare impact of the MFA on Mauritius relatively to the other ACP countries. Second, we assess the effect on women textile workers in particular, for the Mauritian economy. We analyse their living conditions before and post MFA and also examine the contribution of cash compensation and training in improving their living status. We surveyed a sample of 160 working women who have been directly affected by the end of the MFA. Field work was also carried out at the Consolidated Fabrics Limited which employs around 600 workers and is among one of the largest textile factories in Mauritius. Our results reveal that the phasing out of the MFA has been bitter for women workers in the textile factories as they have lost their jobs and found themselves trapped in poverty. In addition, we provide evidence that the cash compensation and training have not been effective in improving their living conditions.

Keywords: Trade reforms; Gender; Poverty; and Developing countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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