Courtesy of HomeNet Cambodia
HomeNet Cambodia (HNC) took part in a regional exposure visit to Sri Lanka from 1 to 6 June 2026. The event brought together representatives from Cambodia and Laos for a learning exchange focused on social protection, labour rights, gender equality, informal worker organizing, and inclusive development. With support from Oxfam and hosted by the Free Trade Zones and General Services Employees Union (FTZ&GSEU) and partner organizations, the visit provided valuable opportunities to learn from a diverse range of stakeholders, including government institutions, trade unions, universities, development partners, women’s organizations, self-employed workers, farmers, plantation workers, and fishing communities.
Over the six-day programme, participants explored Sri Lanka’s experience in strengthening social protection, advancing labour rights, promoting social dialogue, and supporting informal workers. A key takeaway was the understanding that social protection should not be viewed solely as welfare assistance, but as a long-term investment in people, livelihoods, resilience, and inclusive development.
Participants were inspired by examples of women’s leadership, community-based entrepreneurship, worker organizing, and constructive engagement between trade unions and government institutions. The visit also highlighted the importance of extending social protection to informal workers, improving childcare services, expanding market access for small producers, and integrating climate resilience into development strategies.
For HomeNet Cambodia, the exchange generated practical ideas to support ongoing advocacy for home-based workers and other vulnerable groups. It also strengthened regional solidarity and opened opportunities for future collaboration among organizations in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Laos to advance labour rights, social protection, and inclusive development for informal workers.
