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Informal Women Workers in the Global South: Challenges, Contributions, and Strategies for Empowerment

Earl Williams

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Published in Informal Women Workers In The Global South: Policies And Practices For The Formalisation Of Women S Employment In Developing Economies (Routledge IAFFE Advances In Feminist Economics)

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Informal women workers play a crucial role in the economies and societies of the Global South. Despite their significant contributions, they often face numerous challenges, including low pay, lack of job security, and limited access to social protection. This article delves into the experiences of informal women workers, highlighting their challenges, recognizing their contributions, and exploring strategies for their empowerment.

Informal Women Workers in the Global South: Policies and Practices for the Formalisation of Women's Employment in Developing Economies (Routledge IAFFE Advances in Feminist Economics)

by Jayati Ghosh

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Challenges Faced by Informal Women Workers

Low Pay and Poverty

Informal women workers often earn meager wages, struggling to meet their basic needs. They are frequently employed in low-skill jobs with minimal training and no opportunities for career advancement. This low pay often perpetuates a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for women to escape economic hardship.

Lack of Job Security

Informal work is often characterized by a lack of job security. Informal women workers typically work on a contract basis or as day laborers, with no guaranteed income or employment duration. This uncertainty makes it challenging to plan for the future, access healthcare, and secure housing.

Limited Access to Social Protection

Informal women workers often lack access to essential social protection benefits such as health insurance, maternity leave, and unemployment benefits. Without these protections, they are vulnerable to economic shocks and health risks, further exacerbating their economic and social challenges.

Discrimination and Marginalization

Informal women workers frequently face discrimination and marginalization based on their gender and economic status. They may be subjected to sexual harassment, violence, and exclusion from decision-making processes. This discrimination creates barriers to their economic empowerment and overall well-being.

Contributions of Informal Women Workers

Despite the challenges they face, informal women workers make significant contributions to their communities and economies:

Economic Contributions

Informal women workers contribute to economic growth by generating income and supporting their families. They participate in various sectors, including retail, street vending, food preparation, and domestic work. Their labor plays a vital role in local economies and supports formal businesses.

Household and Community Support

Informal women workers often provide vital care and support for their households and communities. They are responsible for childcare, cooking, cleaning, and other essential household tasks. Their contributions free up time for other family members to participate in economic activities.

Cultural and Social Impact

Informal women workers are often involved in preserving and transmitting cultural traditions through their work. Street vendors, for example, offer traditional foods and crafts that contribute to the cultural heritage of their communities.

Strategies for Empowering Informal Women Workers

Empowering informal women workers requires a multifaceted approach involving policy interventions, social protection measures, and community-based initiatives:

Policy Interventions

* Governments should establish policies that recognize and protect informal workers' rights, including minimum wage guarantees, social security benefits, and access to healthcare. * Legal frameworks should be strengthened to address discrimination and harassment faced by informal women workers.

Social Protection Measures

* Social protection programs should be expanded to provide health insurance, maternity benefits, and unemployment benefits to informal workers. * Access to childcare facilities should be improved to enable women to participate in the workforce more effectively.

Community-Based Initiatives

* Community-based organizations and women's networks can provide support to informal women workers, offering training, business development assistance, and advocacy. * Cooperatives and self-help groups can empower informal women workers by collective action and economic solidarity.

Education and Skill Development

* Informal women workers should have access to education and training opportunities to enhance their skills and earning potential. * Government agencies and NGOs can provide vocational training and literacy programs tailored to their needs.

Informal women workers in the Global South face significant challenges, but their contributions to economies and societies are immense. By implementing strategies that address these challenges and empower these women, we can promote gender equality, reduce poverty, and foster more inclusive economic growth. Recognizing and valuing their work is not only a matter of social justice but also an investment in the well-being of our communities and the prosperity of our economies.

Informal Women Workers in the Global South: Policies and Practices for the Formalisation of Women's Employment in Developing Economies (Routledge IAFFE Advances in Feminist Economics)

by Jayati Ghosh

4.4 out of 5