Women workers of tea processing factories in Ilam and Panchthar districts have formed a union to demand the authorities for equal rights and wages as their men co-workers.

Orthodox Tea Women Workers’ Forum is the latest union of women workers established to raise a voice against gender-based discrimination.

Secretary of the forum Debuka Acharya said women are paid less than their male colleagues.

“Men are given Rs 400 per day in the tea processing factories while women are paid just Rs 300 for doing the same work,” Acharya said.

According to Acharya, at least one woman from all tea processing factories in the two districts are included in the forum.

“We have united to share our voices in a collective manner and to inform our members on labour laws, acts and other information,” Acharya added.

The union has also set up a fund. Members of the union collect Rs 100 each and the money would be lend to the needy ones.