International Journal of Human Resource & Industrial Research
Print ISSN : 2349–4816
Online ISSN : 2349–3593
Frequency : Monthly
Current Issue : Volume 13 , Issue 1
2026
Dr Swarupa Rani
Dr Swarupa Rani, Guest Faculty, CSSI, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20809360 Page No : 83-90
Published Online : 2026-06-23
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ABSTRACT
This study examines the intersection of gendered exclusion and agency among marginalised women living in urban informal spaces. Rapid urbanisation has led to the expansion of informal settlements where women experience multiple layers of disadvantage shaped by socio-economic, cultural, and spatial factors. The study aims to analyse the nature of exclusion faced by women and explore the ways in which they negotiate these constraints through everyday forms of agency. The research is based on secondary data collected from books, journal articles, reports, and official statistics, and adopts a descriptive and analytical approach. The findings indicate that marginalised women face limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, along with restricted participation in decision-making processes. Despite these challenges, women actively contribute to household survival and demonstrate resilience through informal work, community engagement, and resource management. The study highlights that agency is often subtle and embedded in daily practices rather than overt forms of empowerment. It also emphasises the role of social networks and informal institutions in supporting women’s coping strategies.The study concludes that marginality is a dynamic process shaped by structural inequalities and individual responses. Recognising women’s agency alongside their vulnerabilities is essential for developing inclusive policies and promoting gender equality. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of urban poverty and calls for gender-sensitive interventions that address both exclusion and empowerment in urban informal contexts.
Keywords: Empowerment, Informal Settlements, Marginalised Women, Gendered Exclusion, Urban Informal Spaces
