Formalizing the Informal Economy: Practical Examples from Workers’ Organizations

This Thursday, May 8, is the second of three webinars on formalizing the informal economy. The series aims to foster dialogue and build solidarity as a united workers’ movement ahead of the International Labour Conference (ILC). This year’s conference – which takes place in Geneva in June – is especially relevant for workers in informal employment since one of the general discussions will focus on innovative approaches to tackling informality and promoting transitions towards formality.

In the upcoming webinar our panelists will present examples of formalization processes at local and national levels which have benefitted home-based workers, street vendors, waste pickers and other sectors in the informal economy. Most importantly, they will show us the need for grounded, participatory and inclusive policies that leave no one behind when it comes to innovative approaches around formalization.

Speakers include:

• Carmen Roca, Lima Focal Cities Coordinator, WIEGO (moderator)
• Frederic Lapeyre, Director Priority Action Programme “Transition from the informal to the formal economy”, ⁠ILO
• Alejandro Gramajo, General Secretary, ⁠UTEP, Argentina
• Alberto Santana, Vice President StreetNet International, Dominican Republic
• Sarika Karadkar, KKPKP & SWACH, International Alliance of Waste Pickers, India
• Jemimah Nyakongo, Treasurer of HomeNet International & Chairperson of HomeNet Kenya
• ⁠Federico Parra, Social Solidarity Economy Specialist, WIEGO, Colombia