What Does Inclusive Formalization Mean Today? Perspectives and the Role of Informal Economy Workers' Organizations

Asma Ben Hassen is an economist, Founder and President of the Tunisia Inclusive Labor Institute (TILI) and Regional Director of the Global Fairness Initiative (GFI) in Tunisia. She has over a decade of experience in labour economics, informal employment, entrepreneurship, project management and evaluation.

Her work focuses on promoting inclusive economic development, supporting informal workers, advancing formalization strategies, and strengthening access to social protection and decent work. Through TILI and GFI, she has contributed to policy dialogue and partnerships with government institutions, workers’ organisations and development actors to advance more inclusive labour policies in Tunisia and the wider region.

Jeannette Nyiramasengesho is a Rwandan social and informal economy advocate, trade union leader and local governance practitioner with more than 23 years of experience in leadership, workers’ organization, advocacy and community development. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

She is the founder of SYTRIECI and currently General Secretary of SYTRIECI Trade union. She is also Street Net international Treasurer and focal person of Africa Trade union migration network ATUMNET. She is also a member of the WIEGO School Executive Committee and contributes to WIEGO’s work on social protection. Her professional experience includes leadership and engagement in local government, including chairperson of Ngororero District Council and served as Chairperson of East Africa local government Association EACLGA, Executive committee member of UCLG Afrique, and common wealth local government Forum CLGF.

Jeannette’s work focuses on informal economy workers, women’s leadership, social protection, decent work, social and solidarity economy, workers’ rights and inclusive local development. She brings practical experience from grassroots organizing, public-sector engagement and national, regional and international policy platforms.

Adopo Chiadon Marcelline Douai is an Ivorian trade union leader, informal economy worker, and adult literacy trainer with extensive experience in organizing and advocating for informal workers. She is the Founding President of the Federation of Informal Economy Workers of Côte d’Ivoire (FETTE-CI) and has held leadership positions within the DIGNITÉ trade union confederation. Her work focuses on improving working and living conditions, strengthening social protection, promoting occupational safety and health, and supporting the organization of informal workers, including domestic workers, street vendors, and market traders. She has also initiated awareness campaigns on social protection and workers’ rights, as well as literacy centers for adults. She has participated in national and international initiatives on the transition to the formal economy, including with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Mr. Omar Parker currently serves as General Secretary for the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA) – Omar has been a Labour and Community activist for the better part of his youth and adult life. He started working for the Trade Union Movement since 1986 and served in various positions from worker representative (shop steward) to Union Organiser, Legal Officer and Provincial Coordinator.

He also serves as Secretary for National E-hailing Federation of South Africa, and is a founding member of the International Alliance of App-Based Transport Workers, Board member and Sub-Saharan Africa support coordinator for IAATW.