Mental Health of Women Working in the Informal Economy

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand the research question-what the mental health of women working in the informal economy looks like given the nature of their work and the possible instances of structural violence. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 women. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis (2006) was used to interpret the coded data and three broad themes dealing with challenges, violence and its implications and an overview of mental health were conceptualised, with varying sub-themes underneath them. From this study, one can understand the deplorable state of mental health, especially for women with the structural, financial and physical violence that they endure while dealing with unstructured and unorganised work to make ends meet, resulting in a role overload. This research can be useful for further policy decisions as interventions can be designed in accordance to the same. Most importantly, the research doesn’t just quantify mental health concerns, but aims to understand the everyday life consequences of those concerns.