Abstract

Purpose: According to the World Bank 2021, 35% of India’s population, 1.4 billion people, live in urban areas. 80% of workers in urban regions are employed in informal employment, with street vending being one of the most accessible avenues for those with limited education and capital (Medoze & Dutta, 2024). The informal sector accounts for half of the nation’s GDP. Women account for approximately 33% of all street vendors in India (Dimitrov, 2024). The main Purpose of this study is to determine the socio-economic profile of women street entrepreneurs in Jhansi District and to portray the challenges they face in street entrepreneurship. Methodology: The present study employed quantitative and qualitative methods, An Interview of 124 women in the year 2024 by utilizing an unstructured interview schedule with open-ended and closed-ended questions related to their socio-economic and occupational challenges. Results: The findings illustrate a weak socio-economic background of the tribal women street entrepreneurs.  The data indicate limited education, modest income, housing security, and economic insecurity among this group. This emphasizes the need for targeted socio-economic support for tribal women entrepreneurs. Conclusion: We conclude that Tribal women street entrepreneurs work very hard for their livelihood and survival. They have a weak demographic profile, yet they struggle to ensure even two basic meals a day; otherwise, they are unable to even arrange two basic meals a day. Not only women, but also their children assist in this work rather than going to school to study and play. They lack access to any kind of infrastructure facilities, like clean water, toilets, and permanent housing.