IMPACT OF STREET HAWKING ON TEENAGE GIRLS' HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN AREAS

Abstract

Street hawking is a prevalent economic and socio-cultural activity, among teenage girls in many urban and rural areas, often driven by the need for financial independence or familial support. While this informal trade can provide immediate economic benefits, it also poses significant health risks on the hawkers that are often overlooked. Teenage girls engaged in street hawking, face a myriad of health challenges, including physical injuries from traffic accidents, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and potential harassment or violence and abuse by society. Furthermore, the long hours spent on the streets can lead to mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, compounded by the pressures of balancing trade and education, for those of them enrolled in school. The study examined how street hawking affects the physical well-being of teenage girls, found out the psychological effects of street hawking on the development of teenage girls and explained how street hawking affects the social development of teenage girls in Obi Local Government Area. The study adopted a descriptive research survey design; questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data. The study was anchored on poverty theory, propounded by Amartya Sen and social disorganization theory, developed by Shaw and McKay to explain the effects of street hawking among teenage girls. Findings revealed that prolonged exposure to street hawking affects the physical, social, mental, cognitive and spiritual well-being of teenage girls. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should create initiatives that facilitate access to education for teenage girls involved in street hawking and enlighten parents and guidance on how to improve on the well-being of their children, by unveiling the dangers of street hawking. This could include flexible schooling options, scholarships, or vocational training programs that allow them to balance work and education