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A Gendered Lens on Mediation and Market Governance: Experiences of Women Market Vendors in Papua New Guinea

Author

Listed:
  • Wilma Langa

    (Communication and Development Studies, Papua New Guinea University of Technology, Lae 411, Papua New Guinea)

  • Jackie Kauli

    (Centre for the Arts and Social Transformation, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Verena Thomas

    (School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia)

Abstract

The majority of market vendors at urban informal markets in Papua New Guinea are women. They face vulnerabilities related to safety, security and infrastructural support. They operate within male-dominated mediation structures where women’s contributions to mediation and market governance are often invisible. However, in this article, we demonstrate how women market vendors contribute to the social aspect of market governance, particularly addressing issues of law and order within Awagasi market. Through the efforts of women vendors in mediation and conflict management, safety in the market and normal operation of the informal market have improved. The study involved 18 women market vendors, as well as male market vendors, at Awagasi market. It used focus group discussions, interviews and creative mapping to examine the different roles of women market vendors regarding mediation and market governance at Awagasi market. The study revealed the different roles women play and their social innovations in keeping peace and order in the market. Recognising women’s agency in conflict management can support the promotion and strengthening of safe market spaces in urban environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Wilma Langa & Jackie Kauli & Verena Thomas, 2024. "A Gendered Lens on Mediation and Market Governance: Experiences of Women Market Vendors in Papua New Guinea," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:14:y:2024:i:8:p:155-:d:1458654
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Julien Barbara & Kerryn Baker, 2020. "Addressing collective action problems in Melanesia: the Northern Islands Market Vendors’ Association in Vanuatu," Development in Practice, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(8), pages 994-1004, November.
    2. Asenati Liki, 2009. "Travelling Daughters: Experiences of Melanesian-Samoan Women," Development, Palgrave Macmillan;Society for International Deveopment, vol. 52(4), pages 537-543, December.
    3. Elder, Sara. & Schmidt-Klau, Dorothea., 2004. "Global employment trends for women, 2004," Global Employment Trends Reports 993680753402676, International Labour Office, Economic and Labour Market Analysis Department.
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