Presenting Indonesian Women's Coalition for Justice and Democracy

The Indonesian Women's Coalition for Justice and Democracy is a mass organization committed to advancing women's lives through gender-just development and the promotion of human rights—especially those of women. “We joined INSP!R Indonesia at its inception in late 2020, and since then, our engagement has been truly transformative.

Through INSP!R Indonesia, we’ve strengthened our capacity to advocate for women workers' rights, particularly their right to social protection—an essential responsibility of the state. Women workers, both in the formal and informal sectors, face multiple layers of vulnerability. It's not just about fair working conditions and wages, but also about ensuring workplaces are free from gender-based violence and sexual harassment. Our participation in INSP!R has empowered our members—many of whom are workers—to better understand their rights and to actively claim them. Together, we’ve pushed for inclusive and gender-sensitive social protection policies that address the real needs of women. This includes reproductive protections like menstrual and maternity leave, support during inflation and mass layoffs, and access to childcare services for working mothers."

Thanks to INSP!R Indonesia, our collective voice is louder and our movement is stronger. We are not only advocating for change—we are helping build a system where women workers are visible, valued, and protected."

Indonesian informal worker feels safer

Romlah is a wholesale worker in North Jakarta who, like many in Indonesia's informal economy, faced daily uncertainty. She had no formal work contract, no fixed salary, and no access to social protection. When accidents happened at work—which were not uncommon in her sector—she and her colleagues had to bear the costs themselves. The company considered her a “Borongan” worker, meaning she was only called in when needed and not entitled to labor rights like social security. This is a common situation in the transportation and logistics sector, where so-called "partnership" arrangements are often used to avoid providing proper worker protections. Romlah’s vulnerability was shared by many others in similar precarious conditions.

But everything started to change when Romlah heard from friends about FSB KIKES (Federation of health, industry, chemical, energy and mining) and KSBSI. Through their support, she joined several training sessions and socialization events focused on workers' rights and social protection—especially the BPJS Employment scheme. These sessions helped her understand how she could gain access to protection previously unavailable to her. Thanks to KSBSI’s guidance, Romlah and her colleagues registered as BPJS PERISAI (Indonesia Social Security Activator) participants. She is now covered under three essential programs: 1) Work Accident Insurance ; 2) Death Insurance ; and 3) Old Age Security. With this new coverage, Romlah feels safer and more empowered. She no longer works in fear of being left alone in case of an accident or emergency. She's also actively encouraged her fellow workers to register, creating a ripple effect of change within her community.

Romlah is deeply grateful to KSBSI and WSM for the knowledge and support she received. She hopes these programs continue to expand so that more informal workers like her can gain the protection and dignity they deserve—and ultimately transition toward more formal, secure employment.

Context in India in 2024

India’s 2024 landscape blends continuity and fresh momentum. The BJP under Narendra Modi retains the upper hand, yet a newly coordinated opposition signals growing electoral choice. Public debate centers on inflation, unemployment, and inclusive growth as India pursues greater global influence while meeting domestic needs.

India’s new Labour Policy for unorganised workers is a major step forward in improving their well-being. The e-Shram portal makes it easier for workers to access social security benefits and track their entitlements all in one place. With new labour laws being developed to protect informal workers, including those in the gig economy, the government is taking important steps to simplify and strengthen workers' rights. These changes, including the finalisation of key labour codes, will help ensure better social security and a safer working environment for unorganised workers, paving the way for a fairer and more supportive labour system. The increase in minimum wages for informal sector workers (October 2024) and the ongoing changes to labour policies in India are positive steps toward improving the lives of workers. These adjustments ai m to help workers cope with rising living costs and enhance their overall standard of living. Additionally, the government's efforts to formalize the workforce and improve social security for unorganised workers are important for creating a more secure and fair working environment. While there are challenges to overcome, these reforms hold the potential to bring about long-term benefits, fostering a more equitable and supportive labour market.

As of 2024, India has made important progress in women’s rights, with stronger legal protections for property, employment, and marriage. The passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill in 2023, which reserves 33% of seats in Parliament and state assemblies for women, is a big step forward. While challenges like safety, equal pay, and maternity benefits still exist, women are becoming more involved in the workforce and politics. Efforts are being made to improve women’s representation and address issues of violence, with growing calls for better protection and equality. These positive changes are setting the stage for a more inclusive and equal future for women in India.

Some results in 2024 in India

Labour rights: in total over 600.000 people, of which 68% women and 38% under 35 years, were reached by services from the Indian Partner Organisation to promote labour standards.

Social Security: Over 166.162 workers (72% women and 35% under 35 years) were reached by the services of the partner organisation to ensure coverage of workers in the contributory Social Security Fund.

Impact after 2022-2024 from WSM-supported partners:

Better coverage: Over 93.752 workers, of which 59% are women and 34% under 35 years, have enrolled in social security schemes which partner organizations helped to set up.

Better work: Nearly 557,758 workers—50% of them women and 26% youth—have seen improvements in their working conditions across various sectors, including agriculture, domestic work, construction, retail, public service, and the informal economy. These improvements include the reinstatement of workers, timely salary payments as a result of legal assistance, increased leave entitlements, and festival allowances aligned with government standards. In addition, efforts to organize workers and facilitate their registration in welfare funds have further strengthened their access to rights and benefits.

Some results of joint advocacy for better social protection in 2024:

• Raised awareness of 5.374 people (99% women, 23% under 35) regarding social security schemes;
• Provided advanced training to over 55 members;
• Mobilized over 5.253 members (100% women, 23% under 35) and met with close to 68 policy makers to jointly advocate for better social protection. 

What impact did this contribute to by 2024:

• The India synergy group actively lobbied for improved social protection for unorganised workers, contributing to the launch of a national registration portal that has successfully enrolled over 300 million workers—53% of whom are women.
• The India synergy also lobbied for 9 state-level legislations, resulting in the successful passage of two state level laws that strengthened social protection rights for nearly 2,7 million domestic workers-of whom at least 95% are women and an estimated 35% are under the age of 35.

Country partners: CFTUI, CWM, NDWF, NDWM & India Synergy

Budget for 2024: 225.086 € (DGD) 

Resources from: DGD, WSM

Duration of the program: 2022-2026

Domestic worker empowered in India

Prabha, a 46-year-old woman from a small village in Jharkhand, left behind her husband and two children in search of work, hoping to provide for her family. She moved to Muzaffar Nagar, Meerut, to work as a live-in domestic worker, but life in the new city quickly became a nightmare. Her employers were abusive—shouting at her, beating her, and paying her little. She was forbidden from calling home or leaving the house. Days turned into months, and Prabha felt trapped and broken.

One day, summoning all her courage, she secretly contacted her sister-in-law. That call changed everything. Her story reached the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) in Delhi. When the NDWM tried to meet her, her employers refused, so they involved the police. Prabha was rescued, and her employers were forced to pay her overdue wages. She moved in with her sister-in-law in Delhi, where NDWM supported her with counseling and legal advice. Soon after, she found a new job in a kind and respectful household, where she now enjoys a weekly day off, fair pay, and a room of her own.

But Prabha’s journey didn’t end there. She joined NDWM’s union, attended training sessions, and learned about her rights. From being silenced and afraid, she has become a confident advocate for others like her. Prabha’s story is no longer one of suffering; it is one of strength, recovery, and new beginnings.

When you win, everyone wins: joint voice of workers in India

In January 2019, Monu, a contract worker, was introduced to labour rights through a Union-led campaign by CFTUI and began advocating for fair wages and bonuses. Despite facing harassment and even termination, Monu, with the Union's support, was reinstated through legal action. His determination inspired 24 other workers to join the Union and file claims under the Industrial Disputes Act. 

In 2024, the Labour Authority ruled in their favor, ordering back payments for bonuses, wage shortfalls, and penalties. Motivated by this victory, around 450 workers had joined the Union by the end of 2024. Fearing further repercussions, the contractor began complying with wage and bonus laws, benefiting over 2,000 workers at the facility. This case highlights the power of collective action and persistent advocacy in securing labour rights.

Context in Cambodia in 2024

 In 2024, Cambodia remained under tight political control, with Prime Minister Hun Manet consolidating power amid continued restrictions on civil liberties, opposition activity, and independent media. Civil society faced major obstacles, with over 90% of community outreach events disrupted, reflecting a persistently shrinking civic space and increasing international concern over human rights violations. 

Economically, Cambodia maintained a GDP growth rate of 5.6%, driven by exports, tourism, and construction. However, inflation (3.2%) and low wages—especially in the garment sector—kept many workers in financial precarity, with 73% of them needing loans for basic needs. The minimum wage was raised to $204/month, but gender pay gaps and poor working conditions persist, particularly for women and informal workers. The informal economy, still dominant, prompted the government to accelerate social protection reforms. In 2024, Cambodia launched the National Social Protection Policy Framework 2024–2035, introduced new policy tools for the formalization of informal workers, and expanded digital systems for registration and benefit delivery. These reforms have significantly improved coverage: over 7 million people are now protected, including 2.5 million under healthcare and nearly 5 million under the Health Equity Fund. However, gaps remain, particularly in unemployment protection and equitable access.

Trade unions like CLC and networks such as SP4ALL continued to play a crucial role in advocating for inclusive, rights-based social protection, despite limited space for activism. Notably, over 40% of CLC members are now covered by NSSF schemes, thanks to persistent advocacy targeting vulnerable informal workers who still lack awareness or access to protection mechanisms.

Some 2024 results in Cambodia

Social security: In 2024, the Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC) supported 790 workers—45% women and 43% under 35—in improving their access to national social security schemes. 

CLC mobilized workers through participation in national and international social protection platforms. Activities included training 178 workers on social protection laws, raising awareness and advocating for better healthcare and social security benefits (reaching nearly 500 workers), and submitting a position paper to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. 

Awareness raising campaigns reached over 100.000 people, and direct support was provided to help workers access and claim their benefits.

Better coverage: by 2024, 1.170 workers (34% women and 46% under the age of 35) have gained better access to social security through enrollment in social security schemes or social insurance systems such as pension, maternity benefits, unemployment benefits, among others. 

Some results of joint advocacy for better rights on social protection by SP4ALL with support from WSM through CLC

In 2024 :

• 115 workers were reached and engaged in promoting Social Protection through advanced trainings, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts with policy makers. 
• SP4ALL and CLC  joined the International Workshops on the Global Accelerator for Decent Job and Social Protection for Just Transitions in Nepal and Singapore.
• Monitored the progress on social protection law in Cambodia.
• Facilitated regular coordination meetings and thematic sessions with active involvement from trade unions, informal sector associations, CSOs, and international partners such as the ILO, MLVT, NSPC, and NSSF, to align with the Social Protection Roadmap and the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for a Just Transition.
• Co-organized multi-stakeholder workshops—both domestically and internationally—including MLVT, NSPC, NSSF, Oxfam, and ILO. These events mobilized over 103,000 participants, the majority of whom were women and youth. They served as inclusive platforms to address service gaps, coverage challenges, and the urgent need for an unemployment scheme, while generating concrete recommendations submitted to national authorities. 

What impact did this contribute to by 2024:

Between 2022-2024, SP4ALL lobbied for 4 regulations/programmes, contributing to the approval of three, which will ensure better social security for 1.1 million Cambodia workers (60% women). These are:

• NSSF regulations including a pension scheme with contributions capped at KHR 1.2 million (USD 300) and a healthcare scheme for self-employed and dependents;
• ID Poor Cash transfer Programme for Cambodian poor people;
• NSSF extension of social security scheme to informal workers, including a pilot program for domestic workers and tuk-tuk drivers, offering benefits like healthcare and maternity leave.

Why being registered in the social security fund matters: Cambodian banana farm worker

 My name is Thel Sreypov, I’m 22 years old. I started working on the banana farm back in 2019 when I was in 14 years old. After some time, I stopped working so I could continue my studies. But I had to leave school when I was 17 because my family didn’t have enough income and my mother had an accident. That’s why I came back to work on the farm—and I’m still here.

Right now, women workers like me earn only 28,000 riels (€6.1)  per day, no matter the kind of work we do. Even if we do the same tasks as the men, we get paid less. It’s not fair. The pay isn’t enough. In my family, only two of us are working, and when it rains or there’s no work, we don’t earn enough to support everyone. We often have to borrow money just to get by.

Before we met the trade union leaders, we didn’t know anything about our rights. I didn’t even know what the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) was. But after we met Mr. Heng Choeun, the president of  the Cambodian Agricultural Workers Federation (CAWF), and the team from the  Cambodian Labour Confederation (CLC), we started learning about labour rights and the benefits of the NSSF like healthcare, work injury support, childbirth benefits, and pensions.

Now, I can explain these things to other workers. I don’t help everyone, but I try to share what I’ve learned, so others know their rights too. Before, everyone was scared to speak up. But now, we are brave enough to ask the company to register us for the NSSF. The company used to only register a few workers to look good, but we’re demanding real action.

I really want the NSSF card because we face risks at work every day. If something happens and we don’t have that card, we have to pay for everything ourselves—and with our small salaries, we can’t afford it. We also want the maternity benefits and the pension when we’re older.

But we still face many problems. The working conditions aren’t right. Sometimes we’re told to work on Sundays or holidays, and if we don’t, we don’t get paid. They can also stop us from working without notice. There aren’t enough bathrooms. And women still don’t earn the same as men—even when we’re doing the exact same job.

So, what we want is simple: we want NSSF cards for all workers, working conditions to follow the labour law and fair wages for women—equal pay for equal work. I now understand my rights. And that gives me the courage to help others speak up too.

Bangladesh: results obtained in 2024

1. Labour rights: Almost 200.000 people (50% of them women and 74% below 35 years) benefit from services provided by the Bangladeshi garment federation to promote labour standards.
2. Vocational Training: 106 people (81% women and all below 35 years) received vocational training skills, like computer training, paramedics and driving.
3. Social Security: Over 200.000 workers (53% women and 78% below 35 years) were reached by the services of the partner organisations to ensure coverage of workers in Social Security schemes.
4. Health: 331.095 people received health care services from GK, of which 54% are women and 32% below 35 years.

The services from WSM-supported activities from 2022-2024 contributed to workers getting:

• Better coverage: Over 1,5 million workers, of which 72% are women and 70% young workers, have enrolled in the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) for garment workers, which partner organisations have been advocating for since a long time.
• Better work: Nearly 361.239 garment workers, of which 54 % are women and 75% young workers, have better working conditions.

What did the Bangladesh Social Protection Advocacy Network do?

In 2024, 4058 workers were reached and engage in advocating for the promotion of Social Protection, of whom 44% are women and 20% are young workers. 

BSPAN in 2022-2024 lobbied for 5 legislations, which contributed to having 4 legislations passed, to benefit 24 million workers (50% women, 33% youth) with benefits like:

• An universal pension scheme; 

• The workers’ compensation and extended maternity leave; 

• An employment injury scheme (EIS) for garment workers; and 

• More coherence through the National Social Security Strategy.

Country partners: GK, NGWF, BSPAN

Budget for 2024: 101,500 € (DGD) 

Resources from: DGD, WSM

Duration of the program: 2022-2026

Bangladesh context in 2024

In 2024, Bangladesh demonstrated strength and determination in the face of challenges, making steady progress toward inclusive development and resilience. Although political unrest and economic pressures slowed growth, key sectors—including healthcare, education, and social protection—continued working toward long-term improvements. The government launched important initiatives like the Universal Pension Scheme to support vulnerable communities, showing a clear focus on social inclusion.

Political unrest in 2024 did make things harder, leading to job losses, especially in sectors like garment manufacturing. However, the government worked hard to stabilize the situation by increasing funding for key programs and improving payment systems to make sure that people received help more efficiently. 

In 2024, Bangladesh made important efforts to protect its most vulnerable people, despite facing political and economic challenges. The government continued to provide essential support through various programs, such as cash transfers, food subsidies, and job creation schemes. These programs helped many people, especially those struggling the most.

The healthcare sector faced difficulties, especially due to limited resources and climate-related health issues, but efforts to expand universal health coverage and train healthcare workers marked important steps forward. Vocational skill development programs also created new opportunities for youth and women, helping to build a stronger workforce. Despite challenges like inflation, the program has the potential to reduce poverty for older people and create more financial security for Bangladesh’s future. With continued support and improvements, the Universal Pension Scheme can help build a stronger, safer society for everyone.  While challenges remain, especially in terms of funding and implementation, the progress made in 2024 highlights Bangladesh’s potential. With continued investment, inclusive policies, and stronger systems, Bangladesh is moving toward a more stable, healthy, and sustainable future for all.

Fired because pregnant: Bangladeshi garment worker gets maternity benefits

My name is Sharmin Akter, and I joined Tex Tech Company Ltd. in December 2020, with a basic salary of 6,700 BDT. When I became pregnant, in September 2022, I informed the factory authorities of my situation. According to my doctor, my expected delivery date was March 3, 2023. However, instead of supporting me, they asked me to resign. 

I refused to resign, and on September 12, 2022, the factory authorities stopped me from returning to work. This was both illegal and deliberate. In response, I filed a case with the Labor Court in Dhaka, requesting maternity benefits and wages for 112 days. The court reviewed my case on March 3, 2023, and issued a notice to the factory, ordering them to pay my maternity benefits and wages within seven days. Unfortunately, the factory management ignored the court's notice. 

I then turned to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) for help and filed a formal complaint. The BGMEA sent a notice to the factory management, requesting a meeting to resolve the issue. However, the factory management disregarded the BGMEA’s efforts and refused to cooperate. 

Finally, I reached out to the buyer through the National Garment Workers Federation (NGWF). The buyer sent a notice to the factory management, and it was only after this that the factory took action. They eventually paid me all my maternity benefits. 

In total, I received 114,705 BDT (€ 832). While I am relieved to have received my rightful benefits, the entire process was unnecessarily stressful and could have been avoided if the factory had acted responsibly from the beginning.

From paramedic to nurse: delivering health care in Bangladesh

Shilpy Akter grew up in a modest household where her father, Md. Abdul Hoque, worked as a fruit seller, and her mother, Rahima Begum, was a housewife. With two younger siblings and limited income, continuing her education after passing the school secondary exam (SSC) seemed impossible.

In 2012, with the help of her uncle who worked in the pathology department of Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), Shilpy enrolled in paramedic training at Sreepur GK. After successfully completing the training, she began her career as a paramedic in Dhamsona/Pathalia Union, Savar. Her dedication and strong work ethic quickly earned her a promotion to supervisor within six months.

Shilpy later joined the WSM project, where she organized health programs in garment factories and communities. Through this work, she developed a deep connection with garment workers and village women. With support from WSM, she received advanced training in normal delivery and began assisting with home births alongside Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs).

Motivated by the impact of her work, Shilpy continued to grow professionally. She was transferred to Shimulia GK and later enrolled in a nursing program under the Technical Board. Her earnings helped support her family—she repaired their home, bought cows for her father to start a more stable livelihood, funded her siblings' education, and even purchased land with combined savings.

Now married and pursuing a degree at an open university, Shilpy is about to receive her nursing certificate. She proudly identifies as a nurse—a dream that once seemed out of reach due to financial hardship. Thanks to the support from GK and WSM, Shilpy has not only changed her own life but also uplifted her entire family and community health especially for pre and post-natal care.

INSP!R Asia speaks out regarding the Global Accelerator in the Asian Pathfinder countries

INSP!R Asia intervened today on the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, during its 4th online Steering Group Meeting.

We took the initiative with our own resources to organize Asian Pathfinder meetings regarding the Global Accelerator twice already. The 1^st meeting was held in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 19, and the 2^nd meeting in Kathmandu; Nepal on September 10, 2024. We’d like to thank the GA National leading Ministries in Indonesia and Nepal, the ILO, ITUC, GCSPF and the Belgian embassies of Jakarta and Delhi who participated and supported these meetings. INSP!R Asia plans to organize the 3^rd meeting in the last week of November 2024 in Cambodia.

In Asia, INSP!R Asia works with 54 organizations of Trade unions (affiliated to ITUC or Global Union Federations), member-based CSOs (such as women’s organizations, youth, people with disabilities, migrant workers, health organizations and mutuality, etc.) and National networks on Social protection.  INSP!R Asia has members in 6 countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines; 4 are Pathfinders countries. We actively participate in various international/ continental events such as Labor20-Civil20, ASEAN People Forum, Asia-Europe People Forum, International Labor Conferences, COP, and now regarding the Global Accelerator. 

Trade Unions and Civil Society organizations are important pillars in advocating for state policy making, because they can strengthen accountability, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of programs in its design, monitoring, implementation and evaluation by providing constructive criticism, different perspectives, and alternative problem solving. However, for this to happen, there must be sufficient democratic space for meaningful engagement and social dialogue. What we have observed so far in the 4 pathfinding countries, is that there are differences in the level of democratic space and involvement of trade unions and CSO. While Trade unions involvement is more straightforward because of the existing tripartite mechanism and applying the most representative status of trade unions, this is not the same for the involvement of CSOs. For example, in Indonesia, there are 5 Trade union confederations such as KSBSI which are members of the National committee, but there is no clear representation of CSOs in this committee. However, INSP!R Indonesia/ YPSI (Indonesia Social Protection Foundation) has been invited in the public consultation during the finalization of the GA roadmap, and we’d like to thank BAPPENAS as the leading ministry in Indonesia for this.

2.      From the 2 Asia meetings on GA that we organized, we’d like to convey the following key messages:

1.       In the GA progress report 2023-2024, only 12% of the SDG targets are on track. The GA is a ‘Rescue Plan’ to save the SDGs with the ambitious goal of creating 400 million jobs and extending social protection coverage to 4 billion people by 2030 -just 6 years from now. You can have beautiful dream but even if 100% of GA’s objectives are achieved in 17 pathfinder’s countries -which is not possible, GA initiative will only create 44 million jobs (11% from GA objective to create 400 million jobs) and extend social protection coverage to 962 million people (around 24% of GA objective to extend social protection coverage to 4 billion people). Furthermore, since the GA was launched in Sept 2021, only 21 million USD has been collected from 3 countries: Belgium, Germany and Spain. One third of this budget is allocated for the management of the GA by the UN agencies and World Bank. Please remain realistic.
2.       While GA seeks to expand the coverage of social protection, the new business model of the platform economy is massively leaving millions of workers out of the social security system. For example, in Indonesia of the 20 million workers working in the platform economy, only 1% are covered by social security. We call on GA to pay more attention to the ‘missing middle’ and the ‘non-take-up’ groups, namely the working poor, workers in the informal economy, migrant and domestic workers, caregivers, home-based and self-employed, people with disability, as well as workers adversely affected by climate change, automation and AI. GA does not work in a vacuum, there are changing contexts that we need to adapt to.
3. Our network advocates for Climate reparations based on historical emissions. The Loss and Damage Fund must be able to contribute to the development of Adaptive Social Protection and strengthen people’s resilience. The devastating impacts of climate change are unbearable for countries like Nepal which are vulnerable to avalanches or flash floods -like those that occurred last week in Kathmandu, or 20 typhoons a year in the Philippines, or the impact of slow onset-event such as rising sea-levels in Indonesian archipelago, which makes 90% of Indonesia’s sea areas dangerous for small boats.
4. We also want to see debt cancelation that would provide fiscal space to the poor countries, and progressive and fair taxes for the private sector and the super-rich.

In a multipolar world where human security is a priority for many countries, we must be more innovative in our approach. How reassuring it is that this GA initiative can reverse the deteriorating situation in terms of employment and social protection, amidst declining respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, as well as a weakening of UN institutions. The GA initiative is a ‘Rescue Plan’ to save the SDGs; therefore, we can’t act like it is ‘business as usual’.

Thanks, Bismo Sanyoto, INSP!R Asia