Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. However, despite significant progress in recent years, gender inequality persists in various sectors, including the informal sector. The informal sector comprises economic activities that are not regulated by the government and do not provide social protection or labor rights to workers. It includes street vendors, domestic workers, agricultural laborers, and home-based workers, among others. This sector is characterized by low wages, job insecurity, and poor working conditions, making it particularly challenging to establish gender equality.
1. Limited access to resources and opportunities - One of the major challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector is the limited access to resources and opportunities for women. Women in the informal sector often lack access to credit, land, and other productive resources, which hinders their ability to improve their economic status. Additionally, women may have limited access to education and training opportunities, further restricting their ability to acquire new skills and advance in their careers.
2. Gender-based discrimination and stereotypes - Gender-based discrimination and stereotypes are pervasive in the informal sector, perpetuating gender inequality. Women are often paid less than men for the same work and are more likely to be employed in low-paying, low-skilled jobs. Moreover, women are often excluded from decision-making processes and leadership positions, limiting their ability to influence policies and practices that affect their livelihoods. Gender stereotypes also contribute to the undervaluing of women’s work, leading to lower wages and fewer opportunities for advancement.
3. Lack of legal protection and social security - Informal sector workers, particularly women, often lack legal protection and social security, making it difficult to establish gender equality. Without legal protection, women are more vulnerable to exploitation, harassment, and abuse in the workplace. Furthermore, the absence of social security means that women do not have access to benefits such as maternity leave, pensions, and healthcare, which can exacerbate gender inequalities and perpetuate poverty.
4. Balancing work and family responsibilities - Women in the informal sector often face the challenge of balancing work and family responsibilities, which can hinder their ability to achieve gender equality. Due to traditional gender roles, women are often expected to shoulder the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities, leaving them with less time and energy to devote to their work. This can result in lower earnings and limited opportunities for advancement, further entrenching gender inequality.
5. Limited representation and collective bargaining power- Women in the informal sector often lack representation in trade unions and other workers’ organizations, limiting their ability to advocate for their rights and negotiate better working conditions. This lack of collective bargaining power can make it difficult for women to challenge discriminatory practices and demand equal pay and opportunities.
      Establishing gender equality in the informal sector is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Addressing the barriers to gender equality in the informal sector will involve promoting women’s access to resources and opportunities, challenging gender-based discrimination and stereotypes, ensuring legal protection and social security for all workers, supporting women in balancing work and family responsibilities, and enhancing women’s representation and collective bargaining power. Only through such comprehensive and coordinated efforts can we hope to achieve gender equality in the informal sector and contribute to a more just and equitable society.