Viksit Bharat @2047: The Challenges Faced by Women in the Informal Sector – A Case Study of Sulthan Bathery Municipality, Wayanad District of Kerala

The vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 aimsto achieve a developed and inclusive India by the year 2047, focusing on equitable growth, economic progress, and gender equality. While India has made significant strides in various sectors, one area that requires urgent attention is the participation of women in the informal sector, where they face distinct challenges that hinder their socio-economic advancement. The informal sector, which includes small-scale businesses, agricultural work, street vending, and domestic work, constitutes a significant part of the Indian economy, employing a large proportion of women workers, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. However, these workers often face precarious conditions, lack of job security, and limited access to social and legal protections. Thisstudy focuses on the challenges faced by women in the informal sector, specifically in Sulthan Bathery Municipality in Wayanad District, Kerala. Despite the critical role these women play in sustaining local economies, they often remain invisible in policy discussions and labor regulations.