2026-10-06T22:06:38Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34048669 2026-10-01T17:35:24Z category_21 category_272 category_734 category_64 category_106 category_132 portal_5 item_type_3 month_year_10_2026

<p>Selected COVID-19 policy documents for review.</p> Elizabeth Opiyo Onyango (11681629) Joyce Kiplagat (25157803) Rebecca Gokiert (3920036) Patrick Mbullo Owuor (20776036) Biotechnology Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Cancer Science Policy Infectious Diseases vendors &# 8217 urban food governance lived experiences central informal food vendors create consultative mechanisms analyzed thematically guided sensitive policy development responsive policy frameworks four policy documents excluding women vendors diverse social identities based policy analysis worsened existing inequalities kenya </ p 19 control policies xlink "> using policy decisions xlink "> based vulnerabilities women exposed social justice insensitive policies 19 pandemic 19 measures vital role technical experts study examined research demonstrates purposive review october 15 national authorities marginalized groups making processes making led largely confined july 10 health research future emergencies findings indicate emergency response despite playing depth interviews advancing equity <div> <p>Introduction</p><p>Women working as informal food vendors in Kisumu faced precarious work conditions that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite playing a vital role in urban household food security, they were excluded from policy decisions, which were largely confined to technical experts and national government officials.</p> <p>Methods</p><p>Using the Intersectionality-Based Policy Analysis (IBPA) framework, this study examined the engagement of women informal food vendors and the disparities in COVID-19 control policies. Between July 10, 2024, and October 15, 2024, we conducted a qualitative study using key informant interviews (n = 20), in-depth interviews (n = 20), four focus group discussions (n = 40; 10 participants each), and a purposive review of four policy documents. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling in collaboration with Pamoja Community Based Organisation, and data were analyzed thematically guided by the IBPA principles.</p> <p>Results</p><p>The findings indicate that excluding women vendors from decision-making led to gender-insensitive policies that worsened existing inequalities by overlooking the vendors’ diverse social identities. Furthermore, inconsistent policy implementation increased gender-based vulnerabilities, leaving these women exposed to harassment, extortion, and physical assault.</p> <p>Discussion</p><p>To prepare for future emergencies, governments must establish inclusive, gender-responsive policy frameworks that prioritize the perspectives of informal food vendors, thereby safeguarding sustainable urban food systems. Specifically, municipal, county, and national authorities should create consultative mechanisms to ensure women informal food vendors actively participate in decision-making processes. Such integration will foster gender-sensitive policy development and keep vendors’ lived experiences central to urban food governance. Ultimately, this research demonstrates the value of applying an intersectional policy analysis framework to health research, advancing equity and social justice by strengthening the participation of marginalized groups in emergency response and regulatory planning.</p></div> 2026-10-01T17:35:19Z Dataset Dataset 10.1371/journal.pone.0359620.t001 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/_p_Selected_COVID-19_policy_documents_for_review_p_/34048669 CC BY 4.0