ARCHIVES
VOL. 8, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Women street vendors and social equity: A study of gender inclusion of women community in Varanasi city
Authors
Anjay Sonkar, Dr. Urjaswita Singh
Abstract
Street vending is an
important source of livelihood in India's urban development, especially for
women who lack access to formal employment opportunities. Female street vendors
currently bear the socio‑economic responsibility of their families and also
earn a livelihood for their families. Women street vendors strengthen the local
economy by providing affordable and essential goods and services to the urban
population. The aim of this research is to understand the extent to which
current urban policies and social security of women and in which areas the
Indian central and state governments need to make improvements. Despite this,
they are grappling with numerous problems such as social inequality, gender
discrimination, unsafe working conditions, limited financial access, and policy
neglect. The study is based on primary and secondary data. Using primary data
collected from 100 respondents across key market areas. Secondary data used in
this study includes reports from the Ministry of Urban Development, NSSO, ILO,
NITI Aayog, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and other ministries. This
research paper analyzes the socio‑economic status, gender inequality, and the
level of social equality and gender inclusion among female street vendors in
Varanasi. The study concludes that female street vendors make a significant
contribution to the urban informal economy. However, imagining inclusive
development without providing them with equal opportunities, decent working
conditions, and social security is incomplete. Therefore, gender‑sensitive
urban policies and social justice‑based interventions are extremely necessary.
Download
Pages:85-88
How to cite this article:
Anjay Sonkar, Dr. Urjaswita Singh "Women street vendors and social equity: A study of gender inclusion of women community in Varanasi city". International Journal of Social Research and Development, Vol 8, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 85-88
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.