Informal Work of Indigenous Women Characterization of Street Vending in Quito

Within the mapping of Quito’s urban landscape and its challenges related to informal work, the indigenous woman emerges as an emblematic figure dedicated to street vending, particularly of agricultural products. Using a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive methodology that includes interviews based on micro life histories and systematic observation supported by photography, this research analyzes the determinants of this demographic group’s informal labor activity. This chapter investigates the sociotechnical and productive elements that shape their urban work dynamics, such as irregular working hours, awkward postures, and ergonomic and environmental risk factors, as well as the business logic that operates from individual vending spaces to family-based structures. This contextualized characterization enables the systematization of identified critical points. The research is grounded in human factors and ergonomic principles to inform future proposals where design, in collaboration with other disciplines, can contribute to developing solutions that improve the working conditions of this vulnerable sector.