International Day of Rural Women
On the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, Daily 27 highlights WIEGO. Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing is a global network founded in 1997 by a group of 10 activists, researchers, and development practitioners. They were driven by a shared concern that the working poor, especially women in the informal economy, were overlooked and undervalued in policy discussions and international development. Today, WIEGO operates in over 50 countries, empowering informal workers by amplifying their voices and promoting their inclusion in economic and social policies.
The organization focuses on strengthening worker organizations and connecting them with researchers, statisticians, and development practitioners to foster a deeper understanding of the informal economy. WIEGO conducts and sponsors research, improving visibility and credibility for informal workers, particularly women, who are often engaged in occupations like domestic work, home-based work, street vending, and waste picking.
WIEGO’s work empowers rural women by helping them gain recognition as legitimate economic agents, contributing to policies that benefit their work and lives. Through research and advocacy, WIEGO ensures that the needs and demands of women in the informal economy are reflected in policy decisions, creating opportunities for improved livelihoods and greater inclusion.
