Olga Abizaid

Formalization, policy analysis, political economy, participatory governance, inclusive waste management systems, inclusive management of public spaces

Olga Abizaid is the Global Focal Cities Coordinator, coordinating and supporting WIEGO’s work in Accra, Dakar, Lima and Mexico City. Olga seeks to connect global discussions on formalization, tax justice, just transition, and local advocacy efforts of workers in informal employment in these cities to secure their livelihoods, decent work and recognition.

For over 10 years, Olga’s work has probed the nexus between urban governance/planning and formalization, with an emphasis on the integration of waste pickers in solid-waste management systems and participatory governance in the management of public spaces. As adviser for the Focal Cities work in Dakar, Olga provided policy analysis and guidance in favour of securing workers’ livelihoods in the context of Senegal’s urban development and formalization priorities. She worked closely with the Dakar team to produce research, develop strategic communications and document the impact of projects.

Olga’s publications document positive urban practices and the agency of worker organizations to shape the inclusion of workers in informal employment into urban systems, seeking to provide examples of progressive formalization.

Before joining WIEGO, Olga worked at the Canadian Foundation for the Americas, where she directed their work on education, health, and labour migration in Central America.

She holds a Masters in International Affairs from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University, Canada, and a Licenciatura in International Relations from the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City.