The Future is Collective Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 2025

Collective action activities Capability Activities Building movementsCreating a shared narrative: StreetNet exists to create a new global narrative that recognizes street vendors, market vendors, hawkers and cross-border traders as the “backbone of local economies”, bringing essential goods to communities and making city life more affordable and convenient. Identifying a common agenda: Prior to establishing StreetNet, the founders held three preparatory workshops from 2000-2002 (Lima, Peru; Patna, India; and Accra, Ghana) in order to establish the structure of the organization. The purpose of these workshops was to identify and build new types of structures to meet the needs of informal traders. Expanding the stakeholder base: Since inception, StreetNet has focused on elevating Global South and women’s leadership in the international labour and trade union movement. StreetNet also encourages the development and coalescing of membership organizations representing street vendors at the national level, to gain power and shared voice. Centring lived experience: StreetNet has always prioritized women’s leadership, since, globally, most street vendors are women. StreetNet ensures that women hold an equal voice in the organization through at least a 50% quota of female leadership in the organization. Organising field-level convenings: StreetNet’s International Congress meets at least every four years to formulate its policies and strategic plans. StreetNet also participates in high-level global meetings, alongside other global networks focused on the informal economy, particularly the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO), where it has participated every year since 2004. Celebrating key milestones: Each year on 14 November, networks of informal economy workers around the world celebrate the International Day of Street Vendors, which also commemorates the day that StreetNet was founded. Strengthening data systemsDeveloping shared metrics: StreetNet collects annual survey data from affiliate organizations, which it uses to assess the needs and priorities of the constituency. Over the years, this data collection effort has grown to include more detailed data about the activities of street vendors, which the organization plans to use in future for capacity building and training. Collecting, sharing and analysing data: The Street Vendors' Barometer is an initiative launched by StreetNet International in collaboration with the Global Labour Institute. This project focuses on data collection and research to empower street and market vendors by providing them with valuable insights into their working conditions and economic contributions. By gathering and analysing data, the barometer aims to highlight the significance of street vendors in local economies and advocate for their labour and human rights. Influencing institutionsConducting advocacy campaigns: StreetNet supports its affiliated organizations in their daily work of advocacy to influence governments at all levels (local, national and international). Their advocacy campaigns focus on legitimizing the contribution of street vending to countries’ economies, decriminalizing street vendors’ activities, ensuring decent work and gaining access to social protection and labour rights. Educating on legal literacy: StreetNet does not initiate legal action, but rather provides legal literacy training, building the capacity of affiliate organizations to understand and use legal instruments that exist at international and regional levels. StreetNet also refers affiliates to other network organizations, such as WIEGO, that have legal advisors on staff to assist with legal action efforts. Working with government and multilateral institutions: StreetNet was the first global organization specific to an informal economy sector to be accredited by the ILO. Since 2004, StreetNet has participated in ILO annual meetings to incorporate informal labour concerns and needs into the global agenda. Collaborating with networks: StreetNet partners with global networks of informal economy workers, such as WIEGO, International Domestic Workers’ Federation (IDWF) and HomeNet International, to amplify influence and global recognition of the informal labour sector. The Future is Collective: Case Studies of Collective Social Innovation 50