A Study on the Challenges of Women Informal Entrepreneurs in the Slums of Chennai City

Abstract

Informal sector is considered as global phenomenon where more than 60 per cent of the world population depends on this sector (ILO, 2018). It is very common in developing and emerging economies particularly in India. Informal entrepreneurship is any kind of activity that takes place outside formal economy. Slums are informal settlements which is a direct outcome of increased pressure on urban land caused by the influx of migrants from rural to urban area. Generally, women in slums are considered as poorest of the poor and face difficulties in accessing basic amenities like water, sanitation and health services. Besides, they are victims of economic insecurity with low paid, menial and exploitative work due to lack of alternative job for their survival.  A good proportion of them eke out their livelihood by engaging in small businesses as street vendors, hawkers etc., within their locality. These women are referred to as Self Employed Class. With this background, the present paper identifies the economic background of women in informal sector as entrepreneur, their status in the society and the challenges faced by them. The sample consists of 50 women belonging to the slums of Chennai City.