DVA4805
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JULY 2025
, Title: Challenges Faced by Women in the Informal Sector: Voices from the
Ground and Policy Recommendations
Student Name:
Institution:
Date:
1. Introduction
The informal sector is a significant part of many developing economies, especially in
sub-Saharan Africa. It comprises unregistered, unregulated economic activities outside
the purview of formal labor laws, taxation, and social protection. Women constitute a
majority of informal sector workers, participating in occupations such as street vending,
domestic work, small-scale agriculture, hairdressing, and artisanal production (Chen,
2012). Despite their contributions, these women face numerous challenges that hinder
their economic security, social mobility, and empowerment. This study presents findings
from interviews with five women working in Kenya's informal sector. Their experiences
were analyzed to identify common themes and inform policy interventions.
2. Methodology
1. Mary, a street vegetable vendor in Kisumu.
2. Amina, a domestic worker in Nairobi.
3. Beatrice, a hairdresser operating in Kibera.
4. Jane, a second-hand clothes trader in Gikomba market.
5. Ruth, a small-scale fish seller along Lake Victoria.
Each participant shared the major challenges and obstacles encountered in her work.
The data was then coded and categorized into major themes using thematic analysis.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 23 JULY 2025
, Title: Challenges Faced by Women in the Informal Sector: Voices from the
Ground and Policy Recommendations
Student Name:
Institution:
Date:
1. Introduction
The informal sector is a significant part of many developing economies, especially in
sub-Saharan Africa. It comprises unregistered, unregulated economic activities outside
the purview of formal labor laws, taxation, and social protection. Women constitute a
majority of informal sector workers, participating in occupations such as street vending,
domestic work, small-scale agriculture, hairdressing, and artisanal production (Chen,
2012). Despite their contributions, these women face numerous challenges that hinder
their economic security, social mobility, and empowerment. This study presents findings
from interviews with five women working in Kenya's informal sector. Their experiences
were analyzed to identify common themes and inform policy interventions.
2. Methodology
1. Mary, a street vegetable vendor in Kisumu.
2. Amina, a domestic worker in Nairobi.
3. Beatrice, a hairdresser operating in Kibera.
4. Jane, a second-hand clothes trader in Gikomba market.
5. Ruth, a small-scale fish seller along Lake Victoria.
Each participant shared the major challenges and obstacles encountered in her work.
The data was then coded and categorized into major themes using thematic analysis.
