The informal sector has long been neglected, both by academics and policy makers. Their existence as a sector, their importance and their significant contributions to the economy are rarely considered in the formulation of laws, policies, and program that are responsive to their needs.
There are existing laws and programs that were enacted with the objective of alleviating the plight of certain sub-sectors like the micro-entrepreneurs, the self-employed, home workers, and even working children. These are designed to provide opportunities for the sectors’ access to resources and social protection, and to improve their conditions of work and life.
Sadly, majority of these laws and programs have yet to be implemented. Credit programs have yet to be made responsive to the needs and the level of skills and development of the informal sector. No efforts were made to extend labor standards to the workers in the sector. Benefits from poverty alleviation programs have not trickled down.
The following is a collection of advocacy priority issues-laws and programs that the Informal Sector Coalition Project (ISP) has identified as the subject of lobbying and advocacy for effective implementation or improvement.
ISP believes that the legal instruments enumerated in this collection, if implemented properly, will lead to a policy environment that would lead us closer to the empowerment, recognition, and development of the sector that we have been fighting for.
