The need for this study arose due to the increasing role that women are playing in petty trade and what is generally termed the informal sector. The role that this sector has in the alleviation of poverty is expanding as a result of widespread displacement from formal sector employment, and difficult economic conditions in recent times.
REPOA was established in 1994 as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the name of “Research on Poverty Alleviation Programme Limited” and registered as a company limited by Guarantee not having share capital. In October 2014 the name of the organisation was changed to REPOA Limited in order to reflect its broader mandate without losing the brand name already established.