Women in the informal economy : a choice or a must?

Abstract

Many Maltese women who are reported as not being economically active in the formal labour market are nevertheless active in the informal economy. These women face disincentives to declare their economic activity and 'officialise' their position. The scope of this study is to promote awareness of the situations that women with young children face in their choice of employment. The study includes a broad literature review which includes the definition of informal economy. A qualitative research was carried out among five women with young children who work in the informal sector, in which they expressed their aspirations, motives, frustrations and dilemmas. Finally the findings were discussed followed by a conclusion and a set of recommendations. The idea of recommendations is to encourage the policy makers and unions to concretely establish a system where these workers can be protected and where they can contribute to the economy in a way which they consider financially viable and family-friendly at the same time.