Our Stories

FIWON's Journey of Impact

Discover our advocacy, solidarity and action that improve working lives for informal workers across Nigeria and beyond.

Our Journey in Action

From global congresses to local advocacy, FIWON continues to champion the rights and recognition of informal workers through solidarity and strategic action.

FIWON Hosts International Conference on Social Protection

May, 2023

FIWON hosted an international conference on social protection in Lagos, organized with WIEGO and StreetNet International. The conference aimed to propose solutions for social protection for informal economy workers and to develop an African regional position and follow-up action plan.

The conference combined capacity building, research and networking—drawing on WIEGO's technical/research expertise and StreetNet's worker education experience. The goal was to devise practical, implementable social protection schemes for informal economy workers across sub-Saharan Africa. FIWON's participation and leadership helped shape advocacy and follow-up visits to government agencies.

Conference participants and FIWON delegation during social protection conference

"This project drew on the respective strengths of both organisations — WIEGO's research and technical content expertise and StreetNet's worker education expertise — to deliver interventions that help systematize social protection work for informal economy organizations in Africa," said Laura Alfers, WIEGO's Director of Social Protection.

FIWON's General Secretary and Cooperative Coordinator led advocacy visits to government agencies to promote practical solutions for extending social protection to informal economy workers.

StreetNet 7th International Congress — Kigali

May, 2023

Street vendors of the world meet in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 7th International Congress of StreetNet

StreetNet International, a global alliance of street vendors and informal traders, held its 7th International Congress in May 2023. With the theme "Power in solidarity: informal traders coming together for recognition, decent work and social protection for all", the event featured more than 150 informal economy worker leaders, activists and street vendor representatives as well as invited guests from other trade unions from four continents and over 50 countries.

The Congress took place in Kigali, Rwanda from 1–6 May 2023 and discussed strategies to defend workers' rights to recognition, social protection and decent work — including topics such as climate change and just transition. Participants also celebrated International Workers' Day together during the event.

A working session at the 7th Congress of STREETNET International, Kigali

Leadership & Decision Making

The International Congress elected a new leadership for the next four-year term and provided opportunities to propose, debate and adopt new policies and resolutions. The Congress is StreetNet's supreme governing body and steers decision-making for the global alliance.

FIWON Representation

The Congress elected a new International Council. FIWON representative Gbenga Komolafe appears in the group photo.

FIWON delegates actively participated in sessions, panels and cultural activities throughout the Congress.

Newly elected International Council Members of StreetNet International; FIWON representative Gbenga Komolafe is in the photo

FIWON delegates at the Congress (group photo)

Cross section of participants at the 7th Congress

"Recognition for workers in the informal economy is critical for the growth of any country. Recognition helps open access to social dialogue and decent work, ensuring informal workers can participate in negotiations and national strategies."

— Lorraine Sibanda, President of StreetNet International

The 7th Congress set the agenda for the next four years: continue the fight for recognition and rights — Nothing for us without us!

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If you're part of an informal workers' organization and want to share news, events or victories, get in touch.