The Federation of Informal Sector Workers of Liberia (FISWOL), in partnership with the American Solidarity Center (ASC), has launched a three-day capacity-building and five-year strategic action planning workshop aimed at strengthening the skills, knowledge, and advocacy power of thousands of informal workers across Liberia.
The workshop, which opened Thursday, August 6, in Paynesville under the theme “Building Pathways to Decent Work,” brings together representatives of informal workers’ associations, government institutions, labor organizations, development partners, and civil society groups to discuss strategies for improving the welfare and working conditions of Liberia’s informal workforce.
Participants include officials from the American Solidarity Center, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Ministry of Labour, the Liberia Labour Congress, FISWOL national leadership, union and association representatives, petty traders, transport operators, and artisans from across the country.
The initiative seeks to strengthen informal workers’ understanding of labor laws, workplace rights, business management practices, and effective strategies for engaging policymakers on challenges affecting the informal economy.
Delivering the keynote remarks at the opening ceremony, FISWOL President Elvis A. Tamba said the workshop represents a major step toward ensuring that informal workers are recognized as key contributors to Liberia’s economic growth and national development.
Tamba emphasized that decent work is not only about having employment but also ensuring that workers have access to fair income, safe working environments, social protection, and respect for their rights.
“Decent work means fair income — work that can feed one’s family and save for tomorrow; a safe workplace — no more injuries in the market or on the road without help; social protection — access to health, training and a voice; and respect and rights — being recognized by government and partners as real workers,” Tamba said.
According to the FISWOL president, the informal sector contributes significantly to Liberia’s economy, accounting for nearly 80 percent of economic activities.
He argued that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without addressing the challenges confronting informal workers, including limited access to finance, inadequate social protection, and insufficient recognition from policymakers.
“The pathway starts here. It starts with us organizing, learning new skills, and demanding better. The informal sector is not a temporary place. We are 80% of Liberia’s economy. If Liberia must grow, the pathway must pass through FISWOL,” Tamba declared.
He explained that the workshop focuses on three major objectives: improving workers’ knowledge of labor rights, strengthening practical business management skills, and developing action plans to improve livelihoods across the informal sector.
Participants are expected to receive training in areas such as labor regulations, record keeping, savings practices, customer relations, and business expansion strategies.
“When we leave here, what will each association do to bring ‘Decent Work’ to its members?” Tamba challenged participants.
He stressed that the program is not designed merely to provide certificates but to create lasting transformation among informal workers.
“To my comrades: Come with an open mind. Ask questions. Share your struggles. What you learn here, you must teach 10 people in your markets or garages,” he urged.
Tamba also called on government and development partners to extend support beyond the workshop through improved access to loans, vocational training opportunities, and health insurance programs for informal workers.
“Pathway to Decent Work cannot end in this hall. Walk with us. Help us with access to loans, with training centers, with health insurance for informal workers,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, American Solidarity Center Country Director Deddeh Tulay said the training is intended to promote workers’ rights, strengthen informal sector organizations, and build stronger advocacy mechanisms.
She explained that the program is being implemented in collaboration with OHCHR to create a platform where informal workers can discuss their challenges, exchange experiences, understand their rights, and develop practical solutions.
Tulay described the workshop as a collaborative learning process rather than a traditional classroom setting.
“It is important to emphasize the essential role informal workers play in Liberia’s economy,” she said.
Representing OHCHR Country Representative Christian Mukosa, Human Rights Officer Melvin Nyanway reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting FISWOL’s institutional development and advocacy efforts.
Nyanway said OHCHR considers FISWOL an important partner and wants to support the federation in moving beyond repeated training activities toward stronger governance structures and meaningful policy engagement.
“The Country Representative is fully supportive of the FISWOL President’s vision for the association,” Nyanway said.
He added that OHCHR remains committed to working with FISWOL to strengthen its organizational systems and improve its capacity to advocate for the rights and welfare of informal workers.
The three-day workshop is expected to conclude with the development of a five-year strategic action plan focused on advancing decent work, economic empowerment, and stronger representation for Liberia’s informal workforce.
