The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

StreetNet International Strengthening the rights of street vendors, market vendors, hawkers and cross-border traders, who are the backbone of local economies Background Street vendors play a significant role in the worldwide economy, providing essential goods and services at affordable prices, particularly in the Global South. However, in many cities, street vending remains unregulated, leading to legal uncertainties and the constant threat of displacement. As informal economy workers, street vendors face numerous challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, violence and harassment from authorities, risk of eviction and unfair taxation. Despite these obstacles, street vendors are vital to local economies, providing flexible employment opportunities and stimulating urban trade. StreetNet International was founded on 14 November 2002 when 13 membership organizations came together in Durban, South Africa, to establish an autonomous and democratic alliance representing street vendors, hawkers and cross-border traders around the world. StreetNet was inspired by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which began organizing informal women workers in India in the 1970s. With SEWA as a model, StreetNet developed a structure that prioritized women’s leadership, maintained political neutrality at a central level and sustained itself financially. In just over two decades, the organization has grown to incorporate 62 affiliate members in 55 countries on four continents, representing 916,015 informal economy workers in the commerce sector worldwide. StreetNet also collaborates with other informal workers’ organizations, including WIEGO (Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing). Today, StreetNet has strengthened the leadership and organizing skills of its member organizations while successfully advocating for policies that recognize and protect street vendors at local and national levels worldwide. Headquartered: Durban, South AfricaYear founded Regions represented Entity typeGroups assembled Organizations involved Constituents represented62 membership-based affiliate organizations, which have at least 500 individual members 55 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe Non-profit organizationAffiliate organizations are national, regional and city-based alliances, as well as trade unions, composed of many membership- based organizations and individuals07 916,015 members who are street/market vendors, informal traders, cross-border traders and hawkers2002COLLECTIVE ACTION CASE STUDY Number of employees 11 full-time Budget range Approximately $1.3 million4 consultants The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 48