Training course on Social Protection for Informal Economy Workers and Families

Training Course on Social Protection for Informal Economy Workers and Families

Introduction 

Social Protection for Informal Economy Workers and Families is a critical and complex challenge that addresses the vast majority of the global workforce, particularly in developing countries. Workers in the informal economy, including street vendors, domestic workers, smallholder farmers, and gig workers, often lack access to formal social security schemes, leaving them highly vulnerable to income shocks, health crises, old age poverty, and other life contingencies. Extending comprehensive and equitable social protection to this diverse group is essential not only for poverty reduction and social justice but also for fostering inclusive economic growth and building national resilience. This specialized field focuses on designing innovative and adaptable social protection solutions that recognize the unique characteristics, needs, and constraints of informal workers and their families.

Training Course on Social Protection for Informal Economy Workers and Families is meticulously designed to equip with the advanced theoretical insights and intensive practical tools necessary to excel in Social Protection for Informal Economy Workers and Families. We will delve into the foundational concepts of the informal economy, master the intricacies of identifying and reaching informal workers, and explore cutting-edge approaches to contributory and non-contributory schemes, innovative financing, and digital delivery. A significant focus will be placed on understanding legal and policy frameworks, fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue, ensuring gender-responsive and inclusive programming, and navigating the practical challenges of extending coverage in diverse informal sector contexts. By integrating interdisciplinary perspectives, analyzing real-world complex case studies, and engaging in hands-on design and simulation exercises, attendees will develop the strategic acumen to confidently champion and implement social protection for the informal economy, fostering unparalleled inclusion, dignity, and economic security.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Analyze the fundamental characteristics and diverse segments of the informal economy.
2. Comprehend the vulnerabilities and social protection gaps faced by informal economy workers and their families.
3. Master the strategic importance and potential of extending social protection coverage to the informal economy.
4. Develop expertise in designing contributory and non-contributory social protection schemes tailored for informal workers.
5. Formulate strategies for identifying, registering, and reaching informal economy workers and their families.
6. Understand the critical role of innovative financing mechanisms and fiscal space for informal sector social protection.
7. Implement robust approaches to digital delivery and payment systems for informal workers.
8. Explore key policy, legal, and institutional frameworks for formalizing and extending social protection.
9. Apply methodologies for ensuring gender-responsive and inclusive approaches in informal sector social protection.
10. Develop strategies for fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue and partnerships with workers' and employers' organizations.
11. Analyze the challenges and opportunities of extending social protection to diverse informal economy segments.
12. Design a preliminary social protection strategy for informal economy workers in a specific context.
13. Examine global best practices and lessons learned from successful initiatives in extending social protection to the informal economy.

Target Audience

This course is essential for professionals working on social protection and labor market issues:

1. Social Protection Policymakers & Program Managers: Designing and implementing social safety nets.
2. Labor Market Specialists: Focusing on employment, informality, and social security.
3. Economists & Public Finance Experts: Analyzing fiscal space and financing options.
4. Government Officials: From ministries of labor, social welfare, finance, and planning.
5. Workers' Organizations & Trade Unions: Advocating for the rights of informal workers.
6. Employers' Associations: Representing informal sector businesses.
7. Development Practitioners: From NGOs and international organizations focused on inclusive growth.
8. Researchers & Policy Analysts: Studying the informal economy and social protection.

Course Duration: 10 Days

Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding the Informal Economy and its Diversity

• Define the informal economy: concepts, characteristics, and measurement.
• Analyze the diverse segments of the informal economy (e.g., street vendors, domestic workers, smallholder farmers, gig workers).
• Discuss the drivers of informality and its implications for economic development.
• Explore the vulnerabilities faced by informal economy workers: income insecurity, lack of social protection, poor working conditions.
• Overview of global and regional trends in the informal economy.

Module 2: Social Protection Gaps and the Imperative for Extension

• Identify the major social protection gaps for informal economy workers (e.g., lack of health insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits).
• Discuss the consequences of these gaps for poverty, inequality, and human development.
• Comprehend the strategic importance of extending social protection coverage to the informal economy.
• Analyze the benefits for individuals, households, and national economies (e.g., poverty reduction, increased productivity, resilience).
• Introduce the ILO's Social Protection Floors Recommendation, 2012 (No. 202) and its relevance.

Module 3: Designing Contributory Social Protection Schemes for Informal Workers

• Explore various models for contributory social protection schemes adapted for informal workers.
• Discuss challenges in contribution collection and compliance for irregular incomes.
• Designing flexible contribution mechanisms (e.g., voluntary contributions, mobile payments, staggered payments).
• Focus on health insurance, pensions, and maternity benefits for informal workers.
• Case studies of successful contributory schemes in different contexts.

Module 4: Designing Non-Contributory Social Protection for Informal Workers

• Role of non-contributory social assistance programs (e.g., cash transfers, food assistance) for the poorest informal workers.
• Discuss how non-contributory schemes can provide a basic social protection floor.
• Strategies for targeting and identifying vulnerable informal workers for non-contributory benefits.
• Exploring linkages between non-contributory and contributory schemes (e.g., graduation pathways).
• Case studies of non-contributory programs benefiting informal economy workers.

Module 5: Identification, Registration, and Outreach

• Methodologies for identifying and registering informal economy workers and their families.
• Discuss the challenges of reaching highly mobile, diverse, and often unregistered populations.
• Leveraging digital identity, mobile technology, and community-based approaches for registration.
• Strategies for effective outreach and communication to informal workers.
• Ensuring inclusive registration processes that address barriers for women, migrants, and other marginalized groups.

Module 6: Innovative Financing Mechanisms and Fiscal Space

• Exploring various financing mechanisms for extending social protection to the informal economy.
• Discuss the role of general taxation, social contributions, and innovative revenue sources.
• Strategies for expanding fiscal space for social protection investments.
• Analyzing the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of different financing models.
• Case studies of innovative financing approaches (e.g., micro-contributions, public-private partnerships).

Module 7: Digital Delivery and Payment Systems

• The critical role of digital payment systems (mobile money, e-wallets, digital cards) in reaching informal workers.
• Designing efficient and secure digital payment modalities for irregular incomes.
• Addressing challenges related to digital literacy, access to technology, and financial inclusion.
• Leveraging mobile technology for information dissemination, grievance redress, and financial education.
• Case studies of successful digital delivery for informal sector social protection.

Module 8: Policy, Legal, and Institutional Frameworks

• Identifying and analyzing national policies and legal frameworks related to the informal economy and social protection.
• Discussing the importance of formalizing informal work and extending social security coverage.
• Advocating for policy reforms that remove barriers to access and promote inclusion.
• Strengthening institutional mandates and capacities for managing social protection for informal workers.
• Exploring the role of national social protection strategies in addressing informality.

Module 9: Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue and Partnerships

• Fostering effective dialogue and partnerships between government, workers' organizations, and employers' associations.
• Discuss the critical role of social dialogue in designing and implementing inclusive social protection policies.
• Building strong partnerships with civil society organizations, cooperatives, and community groups.
• Strategies for engaging informal workers themselves in program design and implementation.
• Lessons learned from multi-stakeholder collaboration in extending social protection.

Module 10: Gender-Responsive and Inclusive Approaches

• Analyzing the specific gendered vulnerabilities and needs of women informal workers.
• Designing gender-responsive social protection programs that address these disparities.
• Ensuring inclusive access for migrant workers, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the informal economy.
• Discuss the role of social protection in promoting women's economic empowerment and reducing unpaid care burden.
• Strategies for addressing discrimination and promoting equitable outcomes for all informal workers.

Module 11: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Designing robust M&E frameworks for social protection programs targeting the informal economy.
• Developing indicators to track coverage, impact on livelihoods, and progress towards formalization.
• Strategies for collecting data from diverse and often hard-to-reach informal worker populations.
• Using participatory M&E approaches to ensure the voices of informal workers are heard.
• Establishing feedback loops for continuous learning and adaptation of programs.

Module 12: Future Trends and Strategic Pathways

• Exploring emerging trends in the informal economy (e.g., gig economy, platform work) and their implications for social protection.
• Discussing innovative solutions for extending social protection to new forms of work.
• Analyzing the impact of climate change and other shocks on informal workers and the role of adaptive social protection.
• Advocating for universal social protection and social protection floors for all.
• Developing a roadmap for continuous progress in extending social protection to the informal economy.

 

Training Methodology

• Interactive Workshops: Facilitated discussions, group exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate successful community-based surveillance practices.
• Role-Playing and Simulations: Practice engaging communities in surveillance activities.
• Expert Presentations: Insights from experienced public health professionals and community leaders.
• Group Projects: Collaborative development of community surveillance plans.
• Action Planning: Development of personalized action plans for implementing community-based surveillance.
• Digital Tools and Resources: Utilization of online platforms for collaboration and learning.
• Peer-to-Peer Learning: Sharing experiences and insights on community engagement.
• Post-Training Support: Access to online forums, mentorship, and continued learning resources.

 

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes