The Generation Equality Forum is a global gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France, in partnership with activists, youth and civil society. The event kicked off in Mexico City in March and culminated in Paris from 30 June to 2 July. The forum, which draws gender equality advocates from every sector of society, launched a series of actions aimed at achieving immediate progress towards gender equality.

Panel: COVID-19 Crisis and the Informal Economy

Representatives of the Global Alliance of Waste Pickers, the International Domestic Workers Federation, HomeNet International, StreetNet International and WIEGO led a panel in presenting a 12-city study that assesses the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on informal workers.

Workers in the informal economy worldwide are drawing increased attention as the pandemic unfolds. There is growing recognition that COVID-19 and associated government restrictions have had a disproportionately negative impact on informal workers and their livelihoods activities; that many informal workers provide essential goods and services; and, conversely, that many essential frontline workers are informally employed, without health insurance or paid sick leave.

The panel shared key findings of the WIEGO-led global study, providing a framework and examples of the relief, recovery and longer-term reforms called for by participating organizations of workers in the informal economy. Panelists provided a list of demands intended to support workers in their struggles, advocacy and negotiations for a full and just recovery to achieve a “Better Deal” for informal workers.

Panelists

Janhavi Dave, International Coordinator, HomeNet International (HNI)
Myrtle Witbooi, President, International Domestic Workers Federation (IDWF)
Oksana Abboud, International Coordinator, StreetNet International
Lucia Fernandez, Waste Picker Global Coordinator, WIEGO
Sally Roever, International Coordinator, WIEGO

Session: Economic Justice and Rights Action Coalition

Sally Roever, International Coordinator, WIEGO, discussed the critical role that home workers play in the global economy. Her presentation formed part of a discussion on expanding decent work for women working in formal and informal economies. The session also focused on expansion of social protection measures and addressed issues such as sexual harassment in places of work. Led by UN Women, the session launched a set of innovative actions to be taken up the multi-stakeholder Action Coalition on Economic Justice and Rights.