Sustainable Livelihoods of unemployed women in Orange Farm

M.A. (Clinical Social Work)Abstract: The study focuses on the Sustainable Livelihoods (SL) of unemployed women in an informal urban settlement. The aim of the study is to explore and describe the SL of the unemployed women in Orange Farm. The objectives are to examine the challenges these women face in making a living and to explore their coping strategies. The study also explores and describes how the women use the five types of capital assets to strengthen their sustainable livelihoods, based on Green‟s (2008) framework and makes SL recommendations which could be applied in other communities of unemployed women. The population of the unemployed women was selected through a non-probability sampling technique known as purposive sampling. Data collection methods included focus groups; with the researcher conduct two focus group interviews with six women in each group. Unemployed women of Orange Farm live in poverty, facing low income and unemployment. They find different coping strategies for a sustainable livelihood. Low income, widespread unemployment and declining standards of living result in poor urban families being unable to meet all their needs. Low levels of education are prevalent in the community. Women should not be undermined as they are also providers and primary caregivers. They strive hard to meet their daily needs and still worry about their youth and men in the process, who go through the same ordeal