Challenges and Empowerment of Informal Women Workers: Insights from Shivpuram Colony, Meerut

Economic participation alone does not necessarily translate into social or economic empowerment for women. A significant proportion—approximately 81.9%—of working women in India are employed in the informal or unorganized sector, where they continue to face structural constraints, social discrimination, limited access to legal rights, and a general lack of awareness about social security schemes and welfare entitlements. Despite their participation in economic activity, many women remain disempowered due to inadequate opportunities and institutional support. This study aims to assess the empowerment levels and socio-economic backgrounds of women engaged in the informal sector in Shivpuram Colony, Meerut District. The research is based on primary data collected through a household survey using structured interviews. A sample of 20 women was surveyed, and empowerment levels were measured using the multidimensional index framework as proposed by UNDP (2005), which evaluates dimensions such as economic autonomy, household decision-making, and knowledge/awareness. The findings reveal that only 15% of the respondents exhibit high levels of empowerment, while 55% fall into the medium category, and 30% show low levels of empowerment. Notably, the mean value for economic empowerment was lower compared to household decision-making indicators, suggesting a disparity in control over income versus domestic influence. Furthermore, the study highlighted a significant knowledge gap among women regarding social welfare schemes and legal rights, indicating the need for targeted awareness programs. Recent literature supports these findings. According to Kabeer (2019), empowerment is a process that requires access to resources, agency, and achievements, and informal sector employment often fails to ensure these dimensions. Similarly, research by the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2023) emphasizes the precarious nature of informal work, especially for women, and the critical need for inclusive social protection mechanisms. The study also finds that women’s contribution to household income remains low, primarily due to poor wages and the informal, non-contractual nature of their employment. These outcomes underscore the necessity of policy interventions focusing on formalization, skill development, and increased access to welfare schemes in order to foster genuine empowerment among women in the informal economy.