The informal sector generates employment for around 70% of people in the world, contributing 20% or more to the GDP. Unfortunately, the highest number of child labourers is also found in this sector in the fragmented and invisible supply chains where they are often exploited, abused and denied their basic rights.
For reaching out to such children, it is crucial to understand where and why they are working and how to reach them. Most importantly, there is an urgent need to direct multi stakeholder initiatives towards remediation and access to remedy which beyond certifications. Given the complexity, challenges and increasing expansion of the informal sector especially in developing countries, it is crucial to look beyond certifications as they alone are not enough to address all forms of child labour in the informal sector.
Business enterprises, big or small have a key role in participating in effective mechanisms to address grievances of individuals and communities adversely impacted by the company’s operations, and provide for or cooperate in remediation too. It will also discuss how best can good practices from the formal sector be replicated or used in the informal economy to combat child labour.
If you would like to share your ideas or know of good practices or effective models that work, join the discussion.
Facilitator
Michael Bride – Vice President Corporate Responsibility (PVH)
Speakers
Moses Hannington Thenge, Human Resource Manager at Kakira Sugar Limited Uganda
Anohita Ruaabsewa, SEWA India
Tugba Kontas Azakli-Durak, Academic Advisor from Turkey
Idil Ander Dede, Rainforest Alliance Turkey