Gender and Development - A study of Vashi Naka Slums and Rehabilitation societies in Mumbai, Maharashtra

This paper examines gender inequality in urban India through the lens of the capabilities approach, addressing the pervasive “poly-poverty” emerging in an era of ongoing poly-crisis. Combining quantitative surveys with qualitative focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, the study investigates economic disparities, health deficits, educational barriers, time and digital poverty, and restricted access to public spaces and political participation. The findings reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic deepened preexisting inequities—women experienced a 53% income decline compared to 29% for men, shouldered over four times the unpaid domestic labor, and frequently lacked the agency to make key household decisions related to health and education. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure, such as poor sanitation and limited water access, further constrained women’s mobility and economic opportunities. Social norms continue to limit female political engagement and reinforce the “poverty penalty” associated with gender discrimination. In response, the paper recommends a multi-pronged, gender-sensitive intervention strategy. Proposed solutions include support for women’s economic ventures, improvements in public health and sanitation, recognition and redistribution of unpaid domestic labour, and initiatives to elevate female political representation. By addressing both the monetary and socio-cultural dimensions of poverty, these interventions aim to dismantle structural barriers, foster sustainable development, and empower marginalized women.