Fact sheet 29: Sub-national governance and the plight of women working in public spaces in South Africa

The right to work in public spaces has recently become a highly contested issue; and the reality in most African countries is that those working in public depend on it for survival. Women make up the majority of workers in the informal economy in Africa and include market and street traders selling small items, food and fresh produce, hawkers, reclaimers and those operating small businesses, such as barbershops and hair salons. This fact sheet highlights the challenges of women working in public spaces in South Africa. The focus is five-fold, namely; (1) general observations on their working conditions, (2) knowledge of the law and policy-making process, (3) engagements between public space workers and sub-national authorities, (4) law enforcement and sanctions, (5) recommendations for reform