Women are disproportionately affected by the numerous social and economic issues marginalised populations frequently encounter. One of the main issues facing women from such backgrounds is access to employment. This essay intends to examine the difficulties faced by women from coastal communities in getting an income in a capital-intensive sector that is predominately export-based on a global scale. This study aims to shed light on women's agency, resilience, and potential for socioeconomic development as well as other difficulties they encounter when trying to get a living in a field that is dominated by men from outside the community by concentrating on the economic contributions of women. The study doesn't just concentrate on women in the neighbourhood. The kind of activities that migrant women from various regions of the country engage in, whether they arrive alone or with family, are also investigated. It is important to consider their involvement and organisational skills in carrying out tasks within the harbour extended from the time a boat reaches the shore till export. This empirical research was conducted over a six-month period at Kerala state's two main harbours(Neendakara and Shaktikulangara) utilising the observation method, interviews, and focus groups. The results show the variety of economic activities women engage in, the difficulties they encounter, and viable solutions to increase their economic empowerment. This study will be a contribution to the understanding on gender and marginalization in India where access to resources from sea dominates the economy.
