WOMEN, INFORMAL SECTOR AND PERSPECTIVES ON STRUGGLES 43 increase their bargaining power. Even if the projects are successful, which often times they are not they do not offer the true solution to oppressive work conditions, as it cannot be envisaged that these can be multiplied manyfold. Another issue that needs to be debated is the relationship of these organizations with the trade union movement. In the earlier part of the paper it was briefly referred to. Given the enormous scope of organization in the context where large masses of workers are unorganized, the mere presence of certain autonomous organizations is no proof that trade unions have not shown concern. Systematic documentation of the arenas where trade unions have organized and where they have not is an initial step. This ought to be followed by the outcomes of such organization. This is no attempt to provide a defence for the trade unions. Equally we should be aware that external agencies are interested in posing the trade unions and these organizations in an antagonistic relationship. The dangers of succumbing to such viewpoints need to be clarified. The existence of these organizations ought not to be viewed both by those involved and others as alternatives to trade unions but their existence ought to provide a challenge to the trade unions to break out of their conventional rigidities. Some of these organizations are no doubt posed as alternative strategies. Conventional forms of organizations, both in trade unions, parties and other organizations are viewed as 'topdown' approach. This it is deemed reinforce domination and hierarchy that exists in the world outside, the transformation of those structures being the fundamental objective of these organizations. Also those organised ought to be able to shape their own destiny and not be puppets or mere objects of others. This has led to an increasing acceptance of the strategy of 'empowerment through self activity'. While the plea that the oppressed shape their own lives would evoke appeal from large progressive sections, and organizations pursuing this strategy are no doubt doing good work, two issues remain unanswered. First this phrase 'empowerment through self activity" has a striking resonance with some of the language and phrases of international agencies, and seem to be used increasingly by a wide cross section of activists whose ideological positions appear to be very different. It is not clear what 'empowerment' means and implies at the grassroot. Does empowerment mean women's emancipation ? And what does emancipation mean in differing historical and cultural contexts ? Or does empowerment mean social transformation based on class, caste, gender and nationalist struggles ? In other words the question is empowerment for what ? The differing answers to this question would signify differing basic ideological positions. It is not for long that we can avoid the question-Is there a limit to the extent of ideological pluralism that can be tolerated to achieve certain practical short-term gender interests ? The term 'self activity' too has a dangerous significance. Some inter-