Gender dynamics in the development of the rural and urban informal sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper argues that the development of the informal sector has been characterized by varied degrees of dynamics which has to a greater extent shaped the gender bargaining in societies, especially amongst the Zimbabwean men and women. Men and women in the urban and Rural Zimbabwe have articulated the socio-economic and challenges offered by the informal sector differently. It is as a result of the different articulations that Zimbabwe’s informal sector has seen a much viable gendered nature of the sector as a whole. Thus this current write up seeks to carry out an evaluation of the gender dynamics of the rural and urban informal economy. Special emphasis will be on the evolutionary aspect of the development since the country’s independence.

Key Words: Gender dynamics, development, informal sector, women, economy, rural, urban.