Countries from Central Asia and Eastern Europe showcased their traditional crafts and folk art at the second Festival of International Traditions in Handicrafts, held in Pomorie, Bulgaria, from July 24 to 31 this year. In tents set up in the town center, foreign artisans offered original handmade products, souvenirs, and culinary delights. A “Workshop for Adults...
From September 10–12, 2025, Nairobi hosted the Global Convening on the Political Economy of AI and Digital Technologies, bringing together labor organizations and experts to explore AI’s impact on work, labor organizing, and economic justice. Discussions highlighted challenges such as concentrated power in Big Tech, exploitation of local labor and resources, weak regulatory frameworks, and...
Finally, after a process of learning about and engaging with the work carried out by the members of the Union of Women Workers in Various Trades and Sexual Diversity (SITRAOVDISE), on June 13, 2025, COTRADO ALAC responded favorably to the request for affiliation submitted in December 2024.SITRAOVDISE is a union made up of workers—mainly trans...
By: Suntaree Saeng-ging, HNSEA Executive DirectorThe Asian Solidarity Economy Council (ASEC), a leading network on Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) issues in Asia, partnered with the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (APPGM), to organize a conference on Social Development Goals (SDGs) and SSE in Asia. The conference took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 23-24, 2025,...
By: Suntaree Saeng-ging, Executive Director of HomeNet Southeast Asia HomeNet Southeast Asia (HNSEA) comprises six member countries: HomeNet Cambodia, HomeNet Indonesia, HomeNet Laos, HomeNet Philippines, HomeNet Thailand, and HomeNet Vietnam. We conducted our Assembly on May 19-20, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.The HNSEA Assembly is held every three years. The agenda of the assembly includes meetings...
By: Carlos Sanchez, COTRADO ALAC Regional CoordinatorBetween May 5 and 10, a training of trainers cycle was launched in Buenos Aires, organized by WIEGO and attended by approximately 20 Latin American leaders from HomeNet International (COTRADO ALAC), StreetNet International, the Global Alliance of Waste Pickers, and the International Domestic Workers Federation.This activity was carried out...
By: The Sewing and Garment Workers Federation (FECOSET— By its acronym in Spanish)The Argentine textile industry is going through a critical moment. After the national government recently decided to reduce import tariffs on clothing from 35% to 20%, thousands of garment workers now see their livelihood at risk. This massive market opening benefits large brands...
By: Sarbani Kattel, HNI Programme Coordinator In April 2025, HomeNet International (HNI) launched its first global study, "State of Homeworkers in Garment and Footwear Supply Chains," in Jakarta, Indonesia. This study was HNI’s first study to go beyond Asia, incorporating insights from countries in Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. As part of the...
In a strategic effort to enhance market access for artisanal home-based workers, the national networks UWAMINTA in Tanzania and HomeNet Kenya have conducted comprehensive research on trade fairs and exhibitions. The research, both local and regional within East and Central Africa, play a vital role in providing artisans with opportunities to showcase and sell their...
Between February and April 2025, Ngalo Buwereza Organization (NBO-Uganda), a national network of home-based workers, conducted a series of training sessions across seven regions of Uganda, including Mgigi, Kayunga, Central, Western, Eastern, Wakiso, and Mukono. These training programs aimed to empower home-based workers with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage Savings and...
