Action research by EILER
This action research is part of a wider project that aims to empower women informal workers, so that they can consolidate their voices for regular and decent jobs, for higher wages, and for the scrapping of policies promoting gender-based discrimination at work and in the community.
The research presents accounts of how women in the informal sector in two urban communities in Manila make the most of available resources in order to rise above their seemingly disadvantaged situation within the economy. It was conducted among sari-sari store owners, garlic peelers, namumulasi, sidewalk vendors (of drinks and snacks), on-call caregivers, promodisers, direct-sellers, and laundry-women. The majority of the women surveyed said that lack of jobs, low wages and contractualization are key issues that must be addressed.
Identifying key issues of informal women workers, followed by strengthening their organizing and leadership capacity will help improve their economic self-reliance, promote workers’ rights, and expand their participation in the alleviation of poverty. Based on the results of the action research, women organizers will be encouraged to draft a specific program for organizing and campaign, which will be carried out beyond the study’s scope and duration.