Challenges Facing Women Informal Sector Operators in Balancing Child Caring and Productive Roles: A Case of Women Food Vendors in Ilala Municipality

Daudi, Zahara Amiri (2015) Challenges Facing Women Informal Sector Operators in Balancing Child Caring and Productive Roles: A Case of Women Food Vendors in Ilala Municipality. Masters thesis, The Open University Of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study was designed to assesschallenges facingwomen informal sector operators in balancing their child caring and productive roles, a case of women food vendors in Ilala Municipality. Specific objectives wereto determine the duration of time spent by women food vendors in operation of their daily business; to assess challenges facing women food vendors in balancing time for child care and service delivery; and to explore the coping strategies employed by women food vendors to overcome the existing challenges. Quantitative and qualitative primary data were collected by using structured questionnaire and interview guide respectively. Microsoft Excel computer software and content analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings indicated that 8% of the respondents spend 6 hours or more a day to take care of their children; 12% spend 5 hours; 34% reported to spend 4 hours whereas 46% spend 2 – 3 hours. Challenges facing women food vendors in provision of child care include low wage, poverty and fears of child abuse and insecurity. The strategies employed by women food vendors to overcome the challenges include borrowing money from relatives (44%), loans from credit institutions (32%) and using money from personal saving or capital (14%).This study shows that women face problem in balancing their child caring and productive roles. They spend most hours in business than caring for their children. Therefore, the welfare of their children is in jeopardy due to fact that they stand more chances of being at risk of lack of effective socialization. Therefore, review of Child Development Policy, Child Law and enforcement of laws are inevitable to solve the problem. In addition Social Workers should actively engage in advocacy and lobbying, public sensitization and further research to come out with sustainable solution to the problem.

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