AN ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN STREET VENDORS IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT

Economic growth depends on inclusive development, in which the informal sector plays a vital role,
particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. In developing countries, the informal sector contributes approximately
45–60% of GDP and provides employment to over 90% of the workforce. In India, more than 94% of working
women are engaged in the informal sector, contributing significantly to economic activities such as agriculture,
domestic work, textile production, and street vending. Despite their economic contribution, these women face
challenges including low and unequal wages, lack of social security, limited access to formal credit, and poor
working conditions.
This study examines the socio-economic conditions and challenges of women street vendors in
Chengalpattu District based on a sample of 300 respondents. It analyzes their demographic profile, education,
family characteristics, income, working conditions, access to finance, and operational challenges. The findings
reveal that vegetable vending is the dominant occupation (34.3%), followed by fruit vending (20%), canteen
services (19%), flower vending (13.3%), and other businesses (13.3%). Most respondents belong to the Scheduled
Castes and Scheduled Tribes (56%) and have only primary or secondary education, indicating that street vending
remains a livelihood option for economically and socially disadvantaged women. The majority are middle-aged,
married women from nuclear families who work 10–14 hours daily. Although they play an essential role in the
urban economy, they continue to face unstable incomes, limited access to institutional credit, absence of social
security benefits, and frequent harassment from local authorities despite the existence of legal protections.
Key words: Women Street Vendors, Informal Sector, Socio-Economic Conditions, Chengalpattu District, Urban
Livelihoods, Financial Inclusion, Gender Inequality
How to cite this article: Aswini A, Rajesh Kanna R. An Assessment of Socioeconomic Status of Women Street
Vendors in Chengalpattu District. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(74s): 475-483. DOI:
10.25258/ijddt.16.74s.56