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The impact of informalization is felt most acutely by women workers within the informal sector. Often relegated to occupations associated with care work, women face heightened vulnerability, limited legal protection, and lower wages. The absence of social protections such as health insurance and maternity leave further exacerbates their plight, perpetuating a cycle of inequality and exploitation.

In the ongoing battle against the informalization of labor, ActionAid International Nepal (AAIN) took a significant step forward by launching a national campaign in 2019, led by informal women laborers. This campaign focused on five crucial demands: equal wages, safe workplaces, job security, occupational health and safety, and access to public services to alleviate care work burdens. Through relentless advocacy, progress has been achieved at local, provincial, and federal levels, including the networking and agency building of informal laborer for campaigning, establishment of labor desks, labor registration and labor monitoring initiatives empowering workers to demand fair treatment, recognition and social protection. Building on these achievements, ActionAid International Nepal aims to further amplify the voices and concerns of informal & gig workers advocating for their rights and protections on a global scale. The recently concluded 16th World Social Forum provided an opportunity from diverse country, local CSO, Trade Unions and informal workers to come together, collectively raising voices against inequality, injustice and exploitation of informal workers and gig and informalization of labor in a mission to combat it where ActionAid Strongly opposes the informalization of labor and works to fights against it. By bringing diverse experiences and voices from the global south to support a cause.

Interview with Sujeeta Mathema

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, we sit down with Sujeeta Mathema, Executive Director of ActionAid International Nepal, to discuss a pressing issue affecting women workers globally—the informalization of labor relations.

Can you elaborate on the concept of informalization of labor relations and its impact, particularly on women workers?

The informalization of labor relations refers to the trend where traditional employment structures blur, pushing a significant portion of the labor force into informal sectors characterized by precarious employment, lack of regulation, and inadequate social protections. This phenomenon, deeply rooted in the prevailing global economic system, exacerbates income inequalities and undermines the rights and protections of workers, especially women engaged in the informal sector and the emerging gig workers.

What initiatives is AAIN undertaking to address this issue?

In leadership of the Women workers agency collaborating with trade unions and other like minded organizations, we are advocating for global solidarity against the informalization of labor relations. Our collective efforts aim to amplify the voices of informal and gig workers, advocating for their rights and protections on a global scale. 

ActionAid is actively facilitating the movements of informal workers, empowering them to equip themselves for advocacy. Through various programs, ActionAid provides knowledge and skills for effective lobbying, negotiating, and organizing strategies for campaigning. This includes raising awareness about labor rights, training in negotiation techniques, and building capacity for grassroots organizing. Moreover, ActionAid is instrumental in pushing momentum for policy change and the effective implementation of existing laws. Despite the enforcement of laws like the Social Security Act 2075, many workers in the informal sector are still excluded from vital protections. They lack access to occupational health and safety measures, insurance coverage, and safe working conditions. 

What outcomes do you hope to achieve through these initiatives?

Our objective is to foster a collective movement that addresses discrimination, exploitation, violence, and inequality while advocating for social protection for all workers. We are dedicated to empowering informal workers to demand fair treatment, recognition, and social protections. Through these initiatives and global solidarity against informalization of labor, we facilitate momentum in labor issues, with a particular focus on women workers. We mobilize workers globally, build networks, and empower them to campaign, raise awareness, and hold governments accountable. Our continuous efforts involve advocating for policy changes that prioritize the rights and protections of informal workers. 

Can you explain more about the global context?

Globally, the informal economy supports around 60 percent of the world’s employed population, totaling approximately 2bn people. Women constitute a significant portion of this workforce, with a higher representation compared to men. This highlights the substantial role that women play in informal economic activities worldwide. 

In our nation, the informal economy is a dominant force, engaging over 70 percent of the economically active population. However, despite its prevalence, 16.9m working-age individuals lacked any form of social protection in the fiscal year 2020-21. This underscores the urgent need for identifying both traditional informal workers and emerging gig workers to implement effective monitoring and regulatory measures within the sector. Such actions should include robust data collection, tailored regulatory frameworks, incentives for formalization, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building to ensure better working conditions and social protections for all workers in the informal economy. We can see the increasing trends of emerging gig workers globally. 

Informalization has predominantly affected women globally, as per ILO Women in the informal economy earn significantly less than men, with the gender wage gap ranging from 30-50 percent according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The informalization of labor exacerbates existing inequalities and barriers faced by women in the workforce, limiting their ability to participate in collective bargaining, voice their concerns, and advocate for their rights. Addressing these challenges requires targeted efforts to empower women workers, strengthen collective organizing mechanisms, and promote inclusive policies that recognize and protect the rights of all workers, regardless of their employment status. 

AAIN’s impact on women laborers: A year of empowerment

In 2023, ActionAid International Nepal (AAIN) made significant strides in amplifying and strengthening the rights of women laborers, empowering them to demand fair treatment and just wages. Through a series of targeted initiatives and collaborative efforts, AAIN worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by women in the informal labor sector and create a more equitable work environment.

AAIN's focus on organizing women laborers into groups and linking them with rights-based alliances proved instrumental in empowering women to advocate for their rights. Through the revival of REFLECT, a platform for collective and rights-based advocacy, women laborers found a voice to challenge injustices and discrimination in their workplaces. A total of 35 women laborer groups were formed, providing awareness on labor rights, wage disparities, and workplace safety to over 1575 women.

To equip women workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to claim their rights, AAIN conducted awareness, orientation, and capacity-building sessions on labor rights and legal provisions. Over 411 women workers were trained, empowering them to advocate for fair treatment and just wages in their workplaces.

Empowering laborers: Sita Parki’s advocacy journey

Sita Parki, a resilient member of the REFLECT Circle in Ward-4 of Dipyal Silgadi, has embarked on a remarkable journey of advocacy for the rights of laborers. Reflecting on the challenges faced by her community, Sita recalls, “Our struggles were often overlooked by local authorities. We endured the uncertainty of receiving inadequate wages and the constant fear of workplace accidents.”

Determined to bring about change, Sita and her fellow laborers engaged in a series of meetings and discussions within the Labor Women’s Group. Through these sessions, they deepened their understanding of labor laws and regulations, empowering themselves with knowledge and solidarity. Last year alone, 29 laborers, and this year, eight laborers successfully reclaimed their wages from unscrupulous contractors with the assistance of the police.

Leading by example, Sita spearheaded the movement to reclaim unpaid wages in Doti. Collaborating with other labor women, they submitted applications to local authorities and engaged in discussions with contractors and trade unions. Their collective efforts bore fruit when the police intervened, resulting in the recovery of Rs 659,825 from four contractors across both districts.

But their advocacy did not stop there. Through relentless campaigning, Sita and her comrades achieved equal wages determined by the district wage fixation committee. Monthly wages in various industries have seen a significant increase, with some establishments now providing a minimum of Rs 15,000 in compliance with labor laws. Encouraged by these victories, laborers from different sectors are joining their cause in solidarity.

In the Parliament session on Thursday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal presented a list of factors that led him to break the alliance with the Nepali Congress, giving continuity to the blame-game between the Congress and the CPN (Maoist Center). According to Dahal, though cadres of his party, the CPN (Maoist Center), fully supported NC candidates in elections, the level of support from NC toward Maoist candidates was far less. 

Our candidate from Koshi province got defeated in National Assembly elections as NC betrayed, he said. Another reason, according to PM Dahal, is the outcome of a recent Mahasamiti meeting of the NC, which censored the pre-poll alliance. He also questioned NC’s commitment to the Constitution, pointing that some NC leaders had spoken in favor of a Hindu state during the Mahasamiti meeting. 

Dahal objected to what he called a ‘negative portrayal’ of the Maoist insurgency in NC’s official documents and insufficient support from the ruling coalition partner for a smooth functioning of the government under his leadership. On its part, NC has accused Dahal of unilaterally breaking the ruling alliance without citing any substantial reason. 

Sharing decisions taken at the NC’s parliamentary party meeting on Thursday, Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak accused the Maoist Center of breaking the ruling coalition, though the Congress had always remained committed to it. 

Lekhak recalled that Congress had formed alliances with various parties for the protection of the constitution and consolidation of democracy, and contested elections accordingly, hinting at the possibility of such alliance in the coming days. 

The meeting held under NC president and parliamentary party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba discussed the evolving political scenario and decided to withdraw support given to Maoist Chair Dahal during the formation of the erstwhile government. 

Speaking in the Parliament, Lekhak said Dahal was betraying political parties repeatedly, in a pointer to stressed relations between the erstwhile coalition partners after the formation of a new ruling dispensation.

India has refrained from commenting on the recent political developments in Nepal, describing them as ‘internal matters’ of Nepal, and reaching out to senior members of a nascent Cabinet on a hectic day.

At  a meeting with Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun, India’s Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava said India’s position on Nepal remains unchanged. The change in the coalition is an internal matter of Nepal, so it does not affect India’s views and position on Nepal, he said.  

Ambassador Srivastava also paid a courtesy call on newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha, congratulating the latter and extending best wishes to him.

During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DPM Shrestha and Ambassador Srivastava discussed various topics of bilateral and mutual interest, said spokesperson for the ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai. The topics included ways to strengthen bilateral ties and timely completion of development projects underway in Nepal with Indian assistance. 

The Kathmandu Valley Police Office has mobilized over 4,000 security personnel in the Pashupati area for the Mahashivaratri festival, which is being observed today.

An integrated special security plan was put in place for the festival.

SP Police Dinesh Raj Mainali, who is also the spokesperson at the Office, informed that in addition to the security personnel, drones were mobilized for the security. The security arrangement is made in three layers.

They are at work from Thursday night to Saturday.

SP Nabaraj Adhikari is leading the security mobilization.

Emergency and rescue teams along with ambulances are standby in case of need.

Nepali Hindus are observing the Mahashivaratri festival by offering prayer to and worshiping Lord Shiva today, on Fagun Krishna Chaturdashi (the fourth day of the waning moon in the month of Phagun), as per the lunar calendar.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, Brahma took the form of Shiva at the midnight of Krishna Chaturdashi of Fagun. So, this day is observed with prayers, pooja, and visits to Lord Shiva's shrines. Hindus believe that the observation of the Mahashivaratri brings peace and prosperity to one's life.

From early morning today, devotees take baths in rivers and ponds, visit Lord Shiva's shrines, and pay homage.

The day is regarded as the favorite day of Lord Shiva, who is believed to bring happiness to the hearts of those living in difficulty.

Some observe fasting on the day and the night is observed with a vigil (jagram), celebrating Shiva.

People also make fire at home, on public squares, and at temples, chant hymns, and take prasad on occasion.

Classical dances are performed at Kailashkut and Kirateshwor of the Pashupati area in Kathmandu.

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu is thronged by devotees from across the country and neighboring India.

Meanwhile, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) has made special arrangements to facilitate the visitors. RSS

Four parties—CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Samajwadi Party (RSP) and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP)—have formed a new coalition government with Maoist Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal continuing as the Prime Minister. The four parties have vowed to address people’s aspirations for good governance, development, and social justice. On the external front, the alliance has pledged to maintain balanced and expanded international relations, keeping national interests and priorities at the forefront. While the new ministers have assumed office and promised to deliver positive results, people do not have much hope for the new government because there is a repetition of the same parties and faces tested several times in the past. 

This frustration extends beyond individual parties or leaders. People are disenchanted with major parties that have held power for two decades. The formation of three coalitions within a year does not augur well for the people and the country. It reflects a focus of the major parties on power and resources rather than the welfare of the populace and the nation. Over the past year, the government under Pushpa Kamal Dahal has struggled to deliver services, curb corruption, and stabilize the economy. Victims of microfinance and loan sharks are demanding justice from the streets, but their demands remain unaddressed. Moreover, reactionary forces are raising their heads, and the 2015 constitution is at risk. There also have been efforts to fuel ethnic and religious tensions. The government has failed to create jobs, leading to an exodus of people seeking opportunities abroad. 

Not only the unemployed youths, but even affluent Nepalis are losing faith in the country’s future and relocating elsewhere. Both exports and imports are declining, and capital expenditure is showing no sign of picking up. Rampant corruption is hampering governance at all levels.  The new coalition government, therefore, should prioritize these pressing issues instead of engaging in empty rhetorics. Restoring trust in the major political parties hinges on effective service delivery and economic improvement. The success of this coalition will be measured by its ability to restore people’s faith in the political system. PM Dahal is putting the blame on Nepali Congress for all his failures over the past year. He may do that again. The CPN-UML, as the second-largest party in the parliament, has a huge responsibility in ensuring that the government functions effectively.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear that he changed the power equation even by taking risks in order to make the government's works effective.

The PM said so while putting his views on the latest political developments and in reply to the queries of lawmakers in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.

On the occasion, Dahal said he had declared before this in the House that he would not remain in his post if he failed to prove his capability or to bring positive change and raise hope in the country, but he did not get support from some factions in the erstwhile ruling coalition for his commitment.

"I had been telling time and again that I was not satisfied with the government's pace of work. I had two alternatives – either to protect my post by running an average and ad-hoc government or to work for nation building as per my political resolve even by risking the post. I chose the second option," the PM said.

He maintained that although his step might seem reflective of uncertainty and unreliable to some, it was in the interest of the country and the people. The PM added that this would be proven from the government's works and their result in the coming days.

"It is not that as a government we did not achieve notable results in various sectors. However, I wanted speed and dynamism. I was and am not in a state of confining myself in the cage of self-praise for the average results, he said, adding, "Colleagues (in the erstwhile ruling coalition) loved me as a person, but did not do me justice as a Prime Minister highly aspiring for change, good governance and prosperity."

The Kathmandu-based Indian Embassy in coordination with Maiti Nepal celebrated International Women’s Day in the premises of Maiti Nepal on Wednesday.

With the slogan “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” and “Inspire Inclusion”, the program was organized to honor and appreciate the contribution of the women, reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy.

Asta Laxmi Shakya, the first Chief Minister of Nepal, was present in the program as a chief guest.

Along with Anuradha Koirala, the founder of Maiti Nepal, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy Prasanna Srivastava also took part in the event.

Leaders of various political parties, representatives of social organizations and students of Maiti Nepal among others were present on the occasion.

Speaking in the program, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indian Embassy Srivastava lauded the tireless efforts made by Maiti Nepal for the welfare of the women.

Mentioning that the Indian government in 2017 honored Koirala with the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award, he said that the Indian government has also appreciated the efforts made by her in this sector, according to the statement.

Highlighting the importance of special relations between India and Nepal, Chief Guest Asta Laxmi Shakya stressed on the need for collective efforts for the empowerment of women.

Addressing the program, Anuradha Koraiala informed about the initiatives being taken by Maiti Nepal. She also thanked the Indian Embassy for the continuous support.

In the program, Shakya and Srivastava honored Menuka Paudel and Ratna Kumari Sunuwar for their inspirational achievements.

Paudel of Kathmandu had become successful in collecting appreciation in Nepal and India through Indian Idol, singing reality show, 2023.

Similarly, Sunuwar, who came to limelight after passing grade 12 at the age of 80, proved that there is no age limit in studies.

On the occasion, the Indian Embassy presented books as gifts to the students of Maiti Nepal.