URBAN STRUGGLES: LIVELIHOOD AND HEALTH ISSUES OF WOMEN STREET VENDORS IN TRIVANDRUM
*Nizia Ameer, & **Aparna, P.
*Assistant Professor and Research Scholar, MSM College, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.
**Associate Professor and Research Guide, Department of Economics, Sree Narayana College for Women, Kollam, Kerala, India.
Abstract
A street vendor is a person who sells goods or services to the general public from a temporary static structure or movable stall rather than a permanent built-up building. Due to its low skill requirements and cheap financial investment requirements, vending has become a significant source of employment for many urban poor people. In India, street selling is an integral part of the country’s cuisine and culture. Among the lively booths, women vendors are crucial because they not only boost the business but also defy social expectations in a field that is dominated by males. According to an analysis of the overall number of female street vendors in Kerala, they make a substantial contribution to the industry by offering millions of people easily accessible and reasonably priced goods every day. In spite of their influence, these women encounter many obstacles. Due to societal preconceptions, gender discrimination makes it difficult for women to get desirable positions. Furthermore, there are several health and safety issues because of the dangers posed by contaminated surroundings, lengthy workdays, and dependency on biomass burners. The study points out that it requires inclusive policy interventions and gender-sensitive frameworks to improve the working conditions and socio-economic security of women street vendors in Kerala.
Keywords
urban, vendors, health, women, and livelihood.