The Asia context in 2024 In relation to the INSP!R network issues

It is increasingly alarming that trade unions and civil society  organizations (CSOs) across Asia are facing shrinking democratic space, often with serious consequences: policymaking now bypasses tripartite mechanisms and other forums where unions and CSOs once structurally engaged with the government. To remain effective, we must adjust our advocacy—strengthening ties with like minded CSOs and trade unions, presenting ourselves as partners in the shared pursuit of justice and prosperity, raising awareness about surveillance and safe communication, adapting our phrasing on social media, ensuring compliance with ever stricter bureaucratic requirements and national laws, and seizing every available channel for social dialogue. At the ASEAN level, authoritarian governance, widening post COVID  wealth gaps, and polarization along racial or religious lines prioritize economic priorities rather than human rights. Many governments now woo foreign investors while tightening laws that stifle dissent and threaten activists, leaving unions and CSOs with shrinking room for advocacy.

In this environment, collaboration, careful messaging, and evidence based policy proposals are essential. From 2022-2024, INSP!R Asia produced several position papers on current issues like climate justice or digital platform workers, forged regional and global alliances, hosted major events, and championed social protection rights. However, inadequate funding for sustained engagement—continuous outreach to decision makers, data driven argumentation, and physical presence at key meetings—remains our greatest obstacle. Recognized by the ILO, ITUC Asia Pacific, and other regional CSOs, INSP!R Asia has played pivotal roles at the G20/L20/C20, the ASEAN People’s Forum, and the UN Global Accelerator on Employment and Social Protection for a Just Transition, while supporting trade union partners at the ITUC and ILO, including during the International Labour Conference in promoting relevant conventions and recommendations. Securing additional resources will allow us to amplify this impact, strengthen our network, and advance progressive policies locally, regionally, and globally.

Results in Nepal in 2024

Labour rights: In total over 66.000 people, of which 31% women and 13% under 35 years, were reached by services from the Nepali trade unions to promote labour standards.

Social Security: Over 133.000 workers (35% women and 44% under 35 years) were reached by the services of the trade unions to ensure coverage of workers in the contributory Social Security Fund.

Vocational Training: 68 people (88% women and 60% below 35 years) received vocational skill training on tailoring, embroidery and self-employment from NTUC.

These activities from 2024 and others since 2022 contributed to the following impact:

Better coverage: More than 560 thousand workers have enrolled in the contributory social security fund which trade unions helped set up.

Better work: Nearly 800.000 workers have better working conditions: public teachers were re-instated, legal assistance led to factories improving, increased leave and festival allowances, self-organized welfare funds, better OHS policies and committees established, especially for tea plantation workers. 140 workers also improved their income after the vocational skill training.

Some results of advocacy for better social protection by INSP!R NEPAL

What INSP!R NEPAL did in 2024:

• Raised awareness of social security schemes of 17.500 people (43% women, 54% under 35);

• Provided training to over 1.000 members;

• Mobilized over 6.500 members (34% women, 58% under 35) and met with close to 100 policy makers to jointly advocate for better social protection. 

The joint advocacy under INSP!R Nepal by CSOs and trade unions from 2022 - 2024 contributed to the passing of four regulations:

1. The Integrated SP framework and Leave No One Behind, which aim to provide the 28 million Nepali citizens with better and more coherent coverage;
2. Shock Responsive Social Protection guidelines, which provides additional rights in case of shocks to the current 3,6 million Social Security Assistance beneficiaries;
3. Inclusion of informal, self-employed and migrant workers in the contributory social security fund, providing extra rights to 13 million workers and their families;
4. Other amendments of the SSF extended coverage and increased amounts to spouses, children education and healthcare. 

Country partners: GEFONT, NTUC, ITUC-NAC, SPCSN

Budget for 2024: 111,529.88 €  

Resources from: Belgian DGD, WSM

Duration of the program: 2022-2026

Platform drivers in Nepal organising

 “We have been focusing on how to organize app based drivers, and we now have 800 to 900 members in only 6 months. This is new, we do this mainly through personal contacts, but it is very hard to gather and reach them, they are very busy and scattered. We need material to share with them, to explain what the union can do for them. For now, we focus on individual cases and assist them with problems, but we need to start collective bargaining, towards the companies, the city authorities and the social security. For now, we can only try to find solutions for problems ourselves, like help each other in case of accidents, or talk to traffic police if somebody got fined, but we need to start speaking in a strong, collective voice!”

“My friend told me to start working as driver. I had to take a loan to buy a bike, and it took me over two years to reimburse it. Every day I earn around 10€ but I just can’t manage to save anything. We need to buy a private insurance through our platform, which covers the driver and the passenger in case of a road accident, with our medical expenses covered up to 100.000NPR or 670€. No repairs to the motorbike are covered, so this we have to provide from our own pocket. Another issue is that sometimes, when we arrive for pick up, the passenger is carrying a baby or a small child and will insist to bring it, and we have no other choice. But if an accident happens, the child will not be insured.

We are not provided with any uniform or sign from our platform that we are drivers, so the police do not recognize us as workers or that it is our job. We get fined, sometimes without knowing the reason. Sometimes the union can help us with that. We really want them to help us. The city officials provides no facilities for us: we are chased if we have to stand and wait for clients, there are hardly any public restrooms or places we can get drinking water. There is also tensions with other, not-app taxi drivers who sees us a competitors, even in the trade union and this has even led to protests and demonstrations.”

Nepal context in 2024

 

WSF in Feb. 2024

In 2024, Nepal made progress despite political challenges, with efforts to address key issues like transitional justice and federal implementation. The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party showed that the youth are becoming more engaged in the political process. Nepal’s economy grew by 3.9%, driven by tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, and is expected to grow even further to 5.1% in 2025. The government also introduced the 16th periodic plan, which aims to improve social protection and support vulnerable groups. 

In 2024, Nepal made significant progress in improving labour rights through key international agreements and policy reforms. The government worked on agreements with ten countries to protect Nepali migrant workers, focusing on fair recruitment and better working conditions. While challenges remain, particularly in the informal sector, efforts are underway to address issues like exploitation and unsafe working conditions. The government is committed to tackling problems like bonded labour and continuing to improve labour laws for a better future.

In 2024, Nepal made great progress in expanding social security, with around 3.8 million citizens receiving allowances, which is a 5.5% increase from the previous year. The government has focused on both contributory and non-contributory schemes, prioritizing the elderly and planning to extend benefits to the children of contributors. While there are some challenges like raising awareness and ensuring long-term sustainability, efforts to improve local-level implementation and develop sustainable funding models are key to making social protection more inclusive and effective for all.

Context in Indonesia in 2024

 

In 2024, Indonesia navigated a complex landscape marked by democratic erosion, economic recovery, and persistent social challenges. The general elections saw a large public participation but raised concerns over dynastic politics, judicial interference, and shrinking civic space. Despite an economic growth of 5.1%, inequality remained high, with informalization of labor and limited access to social protection for vulnerable groups. Labor unions achieved key legal victories, including the reinstatement of sectoral minimum wages, yet faced continuous resistance to workers protections and rising workplace safety concerns.

In 2024, Indonesia’s Constitutional Court ruled that the wage system must align with the 1945 Constitution, leading to the repeal of Regulation No. 51/2023, which had capped wage increases at 5%. Based on economic growth (5.2%) and inflation (2.8%), KSBSI proposed a wage increase of 7–10%, and the government ultimately set a 6.5% increase in December 2024. KSBSI also successfully lobbied for the reinstatement of minimum sectoral wages (UMS) through Regulation No. 16/2024. 

Civil society organizations and trade unions operated under increasing repression, with surveillance, legal harassment, and restrictions on public protests. Networks like INSP!R Indonesia remained vital to defend labor rights and social protection for informal and marginalized workers.

Meanwhile, health reforms aimed at improving access and equity were overshadowed by privatization concerns and underfunding of preventive care. Environmental policies progressed slowly, constrained by reliance on fossil fuels and deforestation. Amid these challenges, civil society continued to mobilize for a just transition, human rights, and stronger public services, reinforcing its role as a key actor in Indonesia’s democratic and social landscape.

Some results in Indonesia in 2024

Labour rights: More than 71.509 workers, of which 42% women and 32% younger than 35 years old, benefitted from services provided by KSBS and GARTEKS to improve labour standards. These services included awareness-raising campaigns, basic and advanced trainings, legal assistance, direct support and advice to workers, mobilisations as well as policy advocacy and the development of position papers. 

Social Security: 54.683 workers (31% women and 15% younger than 35 years) were supported in improving access to national social security schemes through different services offered by the partners, such as trainings, awareness creation and advocacy.  

Impact from WSM-supported partners:

Better coverage: By 2024, a total of 82.763 formal workers and 15.394 informal workers have gained better access to social security, securing coverage under two to five schemes: death benefits, workplace accident insurance, old age savings, pensions, and unemployment protection.

Better work: By 2024, 367.745 workers (41% women and 29% under 35 years) have better work thanks to the promotion of labour standards, collective bargaining and advocacy. These improvements include increasing the minimum wage by 6,5%, eliminating a provision which would have cut 2,5% of wages for housing savings, and implementing a wage scale system and structure within 126 companies.

Some results of the joint advocacy for better social protection by INSP!R Indonesia

What the network did in 2024:

• 7.370 workers (52% women and 32% younger than 35) were reached and engaged in promoting labour rights and access to social protection through national advocacy and learning. 
• Shaped the February 2024 presidential debates by providing materials on adaptive, inclusive social protection and was officially involved by the Election Commission.
• Secured adaptive, inclusive social protection as the top priority in the 2025 2045 National Long Term Development Plan, enacted as Law 59/2024.
• Joined the working group for the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transition.

What impact did this contribute to by end 2024:

Between 2022 - 2024, INSP!R Indonesia lobbied for 12 regulations, contributing to the approval of three which potentially benefits 8,78M people  (60% women and 30% young people). These are:

• Social insurance for Indonesia migrant workers;
• Concessions for people with disabilities to erase barriers to claim benefits and concessions, such as family guarantor, as well other unnecessary requirement to receive benefits;
• Determination of recipients of health insurance contribution assistance.

Country partners: KSBSI, GARTEKS, FKUI, INSP!R Indonesia

Budget for 2024: 115.450 € 

Resources from: DGD, WSM, ACV-CSC Building, Industry and Energy, CNV Vakmensen

Duration of the program: 2022-2026

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.