Pursuing livelihoods in insecure environments: Coping mechanisms by women small scale traders in Mathare Slums in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The study aimed at establishing the kind of insecurity facing women who pursue livelihoods through small scale trading in Mathare slums and how they are able to develop coping mechanisms amidst the violence. This paper presents findings on the narratives of women who derive livelihoods from small scale trading. Data was collected from interviews from 20 women and two focus group discussions to explore security challenges that women small scale traders encounter, methods of coping and perceptions on institutional support. Data was content analyzed to generate narratives and experiences of participants. The results from the study indicate that women in Mathare have multiple roles within their community and some of these roles cause them to be vulnerable as they carry out their livelihoods. Livelihoods in Mathare are very dynamic especially for women and they choose to pursue whatever earns them survival money. Women encounter a number of security challenges such as muggings, domestic violence and sexual assault. They find it difficult to report these cases and they have had to device localized measures to keep themselves safe as well as continue with their livelihoods. Recommendations generated from the study include enhancing the capacity of self-help group as they are an important and reliable means for women to strengthen their businesses and strengthening the power of community advocacy groups to enhance relations between the police and community members which seem to be laden with mistrust