Female-dominated informal labour sector and family (in) stability: The interface between reproduction and production

The achievement gender equality and the empowerment of all women (SDG-5) could be slow considering the African traditional cultural expectation of women on exclusive home management, and reproduction, in the face of chagrin economic drive for family income augmentation. The study examined the nexus between women's role in managing the family, their traditional role of reproduction and expected procreative activities. The research adopted a qualitative research approach with in-depth interviews to obtain data from women entrepreneurs in the informal labour sector in a purposively selected local Adire textile industry in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A snowballing approach was adopted in the selection of the 9 participants that voluntarily agree to participate in the interview. Data were analysed through content analysis and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the involvement of women in the Adire textile have no negative effects on their families, rather, it has enhanced stability. Respondents have been able to supplement finances at home, the practices that are so much cherished by their husbands. Since the textile is a local though popular small industry, and the trade knowledge has been oral 'parents-to-children knowledge transference', government could intervene for a formal restructuring. Also, policy that could encourage mutual husband-and-wife participation in home chores and other family responsibilities rather than traditional exclusive delegation to women. This could prevent avoidable negative health consequences for women.