Ms Hwang in Mapo-gu, Ms Kim in Ulsan, and Ms Choi in Nam-gu were interviewed by different journalists in different places. Yet, they share a common experience as street vendors in South Korea. Ms Hwang, despite the challenges, perseveres, refusing to let the constant game of 'hide-and-seek with the patrol' break her spirit. Ms Kim, in the face of sizzling humidity, bravely holds her 'seat' on the street, a symbol of her determination. And Ms Choi, like her fellow vendors, steers her cart out to busy streets, a testament to her resilience.

In Asia, 67% of women's employment is non-agricultural and informal. Street vendors face a unique dilemma. While they embody independence by claiming presence in public space, they are simultaneously exposed to precarity and danger.

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” said Shirley Chisholm. Street vendors have positioned themselves at the table of patriarchy, bringing their fully loaded carts to claim a seat. “Run to the fire, don’t hide from it,” said Meg Whitman. Women vendors refuse to be confined to private spheres, creating their own markets in male-dominated public spaces.

However, fire is never safe. Women vendors face not only physical dangers but also stigma as illegal workers. Their livelihoods are often policed and disrupted. They are frequently verbally abused, physically threatened, and aggressively confronted.

It's time to change this narrative. A crucial step to protecting their autonomy is not just city planning, but gender mainstreaming in city planning. From public transport to sidewalks and streetlights, detail-oriented planning that takes into account the unique challenges faced by women vendors fosters a safer environment. The irony is that despite their cultural significance, women vendors remain in precarity. Without protection, we deprive them of financial independence and the richness of our heritage. It's time to act, to ensure that our cities are safe and inclusive for all. 

신시은 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

<저작권자 © 강남포스트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>