Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Informal Economy: Findings and Recommendations for Action

On 16 September 2026, the Intersectoral Working Group on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Policies held the webinar “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Informal Economy: Findings and Recommendations for Action,” in English and Spanish, to share the results of its work with organizations of workers in the informal economy across Latin America. Much of this work was led by two members of HomeNet International’s Gender Committee: Tatiana Rojas, HNI’s Gender Representative, and Carlos Sánchez, Regional Coordinator of COTRADO-ALAC.

Together with Estefanía González (SITRAOVDISE, Nicaragua) and Renata Farías (WIEGO), and with support from HNI, StreetNet International, the International Alliance of Waste Pickers, IDWF and WIEGO, they carried out the first assessment of DEI policies within these organizations as part of the Ford Foundation Social Justice Bond project. The research combined a review of the networks’ internal documents and policies, a survey of leaders from all sectors, four national focus groups and a regional synthesis focus group. During the session, Carlos presented the main findings and delivered the closing remarks. Tatiana introduced the educational materials the group developed from the research, including four awareness-raising videos and a workshop facilitation guide that was piloted in Nicaragua.

The webinar also shared recommendations to help organizations put DEI policies into practice, strengthen the representation of marginalized groups in decision-making, and build this perspective into advocacy at local, national and regional levels.