Abstract

Silk is still an important part of the economy in small villages outside of Hanoi. Like many places around the world the working conditions are terrible. Young women made up the majority of the workers in this particular factory. The machines, many of which were over 100 years old, made an earsplitting noise, and only the most minimal ear protection was being used. Exposure to high noise levels, suffocating dust, and long hours standing over the machines makes this a difficult job, especially for young women like this one pictured, who continue to work late into their pregnancies.