Objectives
We support the construction of social safety nets at the grassroots level by organizing (establishing mutual aid organizations) socially vulnerable people in impoverished areas of Asia, especially those living in the informal sector such as self-employed workers, micro-enterprises, women, youth, child laborers, and their families. Through these activities, we aim for the transition from the informal sector to the formal sector.
Background
In Asian countries, although economic development and employment have increased with globalization, challenges have emerged on the other hand, such as the deterioration of workers' livelihoods due to excessive competition, the widening gap in various fields such as economy and education, conflicts between religions and ethnic groups, the expansion of the informal economy, and the increase in informal sector workers. These have become urgent issues for fair economic and social development.
Activities
We are developing projects based on the following three pillars in collaboration with local trade unions, employers' organizations, governments, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and NPOs. Furthermore, by encouraging the organization of target groups in each region and supporting the establishment and operation of cooperatives that voluntarily provide lifestyle information and conduct vocational training, we aim to build and establish a foundation for voluntary livelihood support (social safety net) rooted in the challenges and characteristics of each region.
Holding Life Support Seminars
We provide basic information for livelihood improvement tailored to the actual situations of each country and region, and offer guidance on how to utilize it (law, finance, social insurance, etc.).
Main Lecture Topics:
- Labor laws, household budget improvement, occupational safety and health
- Social security, mutual aid
- Entrepreneurship know-how / marketing, public services, etc.
Implementation of Vocational Training
We support independence through vocational development and literacy training tailored to local needs, as well as the implementation of employment and job placement seminars (job fairs).
Specific Training Content:
- Skills: Sewing, beauty care, motorcycle repair, woodwork, welding
- Production: Agriculture, livestock breeding, shrimp fishing
- Manufacturing: Candle making, etc.
Provision of Information for the Establishment of Mutual Aid Organizations
We explain mutual aid (cooperative/credit union) systems, introduce case studies, and provide procedural support for their establishment.
Main Support and Implementation Details:
- Support for the establishment and operation of cooperatives
- System design for microloans, sickness/injury allowances, condolence/congratulatory allowances, etc.
- Implementation of internal audits to ensure transparency
The SGRA project is implemented as a "Supporting Grassroots Activities through the International Employers' and Workers' Network" with subsidies from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Project Results (As of April 2024, cumulative number of people)
| Number of Network Members | 10,384 |
|---|---|
| Number of Vocational Training Participants | 8,629 |
| Number of People Employed, Starting Businesses, or Improving Skills | 5,049 |
