Socio-Economic Conditions and Livelihood Challenges of Women Street Vendors in Erode

Author(s)	Dr. K. Babu
Country	India
Abstract	Women street vendors form a vital yet vulnerable segment of Erode’s informal urban economy, contributing significantly to the supply of affordable vegetables, fruits, flowers, snacks, and daily essentials in this textile and turmeric hub of Tamil Nadu. This study analyses the socio-economic profile, income levels, working conditions, and challenges faced by 250 women street vendors in Erode city through a primary survey conducted in January 2025. Findings reveal low educational attainment (42% illiterate or primary level), modest daily earnings (average ₹420), long working hours (9-12 hours), and heavy dependence on vending for family sustenance (68% primary earners). Major challenges include a lack of sanitation facilities, police/corporation harassment, weather exposure, sexual harassment, and limited access to credit and designated vending zones. Despite the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, implementation remains weak in Erode. The study recommends the creation of women-friendly vending zones, micro-credit linkages, skill upgradation, and better enforcement of protective legislation to improve their socio-economic status.
Keywords	Women street vendors, socio-economic status, informal economy, Erode city, Tamil Nadu, challenges, livelihood security
Field	Sociology > Economics
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-24

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