Nearly two billion people across the world work in the informal economy in jobs that lack traditional labor protections, putting workers at financial and physical risk. Women are far more likely than men to be employed in the informal sector, impacting their health, safety, and job security when disasters or emergencies strike. COVID-19 is no exception. While this labor force keeps the world running as the pandemic takes its toll, the needs of those working these jobs – often deemed ‘essential’ – have been dismissed or sidelined. Now more than ever we must ensure workers in these positions have a platform to share their stories and that COVID-19 responses take their needs into account. Hear from three individuals who are demanding this overlooked workforce is overlooked no more.
