, DVA4805 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 23 July 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN
THE INFORMAL SECTOR
1. Introduction
The informal sector plays a crucial role in many economies,
particularly in developing countries like South Africa. It
includes activities not regulated by the state in terms of labour
laws, taxation, or social protection. Women make up a
significant portion of this sector, engaging in street vending,
domestic work, informal trading, and small-scale manufacturing.
Despite their contribution to household and national economies,
women in the informal sector face a variety of challenges that
affect their productivity, well-being, and empowerment. This
report presents findings from interviews with five women in the
informal sector and analyses their experiences under key
themes. It further proposes policy recommendations to support
and empower these women.
2. Methodology
Five women working in different areas of the informal economy
in a township in Gauteng were identified and interviewed. The
participants included:
Thandi: a street vendor selling fruits and vegetables.
Maria: a domestic worker.
Semester 1 2025 - DUE 23 July 2025; 100% correct solutions
and explanations.
CHALLENGES AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN IN
THE INFORMAL SECTOR
1. Introduction
The informal sector plays a crucial role in many economies,
particularly in developing countries like South Africa. It
includes activities not regulated by the state in terms of labour
laws, taxation, or social protection. Women make up a
significant portion of this sector, engaging in street vending,
domestic work, informal trading, and small-scale manufacturing.
Despite their contribution to household and national economies,
women in the informal sector face a variety of challenges that
affect their productivity, well-being, and empowerment. This
report presents findings from interviews with five women in the
informal sector and analyses their experiences under key
themes. It further proposes policy recommendations to support
and empower these women.
2. Methodology
Five women working in different areas of the informal economy
in a township in Gauteng were identified and interviewed. The
participants included:
Thandi: a street vendor selling fruits and vegetables.
Maria: a domestic worker.
