Women in informal sector: A case of women street vendors in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

For long the contributions of Indian women in economic development has not been recognized as the activities of women had been restricted from their household. However, in the present day due to evolution of the society many women are involved in recognized economic activities on equal foot with their male counterpart. For this recognition, apart from the society, women had also acquired education and skill that enabled them to be involved in the economic growth. Many literatures discussing on working urban women in the formal sector, have cited the empowerment these Indian women had gained due to their economic independence. However, in India, more than 93% of the work force belongs to the informal economy and majority of the Indian population resides in the rural areas. But there has been very limited study available about Indian rural women involved in informal sectors. Hence this study attempts to understand the participation of women in an informal activity like Street Vending in the rural town of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.