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Although cash transfers primarily support beneficiaries' consumption of goods for basic needs, there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that they can promote livelihood activities. Yet there has been limited understanding of the gender-related challenges of female beneficiaries who participate in such livelihood activities. This paper presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study conducted in a poor urban community of Johannesburg. Giddens's structuration theory provides an analytical lens to understand the gender-related challenges and responses of female beneficiaries in conducting livelihood activities. The findings show that even though female and male beneficiaries were found to engage in the same income-generating activities, the former were confronted with gender-related challenges that limit their economic progress. This study contributes to understanding the gender-related challenges and dynamics of female operators in the informal economy, who are overrepresented among those impoverished by COVID-19 pandemic and as such need special attention and effective economic support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely acknowledged that the limitations of neoliberal politics and economic globalisation have contributed to feminisation of poverty in Global South countries. The implementation of cooperatives has played a visible role in localising the economy and addressing poverty amongst women. This paper attempts to advance empirical evidence in the field of social development and feminisation of poverty. Using qualitative methodology, I present evidence from eight women who were involved in a sewing cooperative in the province of Gauteng, South Africa. Underscored by the sustainable livelihood approach, this article presents three interconnected themes: human capital development, building social capital and striving for economic capital. Ultimately this cooperative project presents a positive social development strategy that community development practitioners can embrace to assist women to work towards sustainability of their livelihood activities in the informal economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]