Women in Informal Sectors in Guwahati City : The Short End of the Stick

This book provides an introduction to the concept and scope of urban informal sector especially in developing countries and participation of women workers in urban informal sectors in particular. Drawing on the importance of informal sectors, the book also argues that since the informal sector is highly demand dependent and such demands are in the central business areas of the city, where it thrives; so instead of being pushed out because of lack of physical space, it optimizes the space and remains competitive due to low overhead costs. In a land scarce city like Guwahati, accommodating Informal Sector in economically advantageous locations is an extremely difficult task. The book altogether has six chapters. The first two chapters give an overview of the genesis of the expansion of informal sectors and data and methodology. The third and fourth chapters deal with the study of the growth of Greater Guwahati urban area, the nature of economic enterprises and the employment pattern Guwahati city and the empirical findings of the socio-economic background of unit entrepreneurs. Chapter V and VI gives an insight into the major activities in the informal sectors and empowerment.