Informal Workers Organization-SL

The Informal Workers Organization is a regional economic justice and human rights non-governmental organization that seeks to promote and protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of informal workers in the Mano River Basin. Domestic workers over the years, due to the nature of their jobs, were paid below the minimum wage, and could not afford to make savings either the formal or informal means.

The organization through its efforts to complement government policies on financial inclusion, has formed the Village Savings Loan Scheme (VSLA) for domestic workers in the informal sector. The purpose is to provide a structured platform for domestic workers to save money regularly which leads to financial security and improved livelihoods, fosters a sense of community among domestic workers, encourages cooperation and mutual support, and a member to access loans for various purposes. The organization provides training for the VSLAs’ on record-keeping to the group executives and members on financial literacy.

On the 12th of March, 2024, the accumulated savings were distributed to the members in proportion to the total savings each person contributes throughout the 12-month savings cycle. The pictures can dictate the excitement on the faces of members which calls for financial inclusion for women in the informal economy as these monies are going to serve as start-up capital for businesses, investment in education, health, skills training, unforeseen expenses, house upkeep, etc. The group then starts a new savings cycle to maintain continuity in support of themselves.


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The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that aims to raise awareness and take action against gender-based violence and human trafficking. The Informal Workers Organization joins the globe to raise awareness and advocate through the street parade in the western Rural Areal District to shed light on critical issues and promote social change, as well as to highlight the prevalence and the impact of gender-based- violence and trafficking to foster community engagement to prevent, protect victims, potential victims and prosecute perpetrators and to protect survivors.

No one deserves to suffer from gender-based violence or trafficking. It is a violation of your fundamental human rights, dignity, and your autonomy. The informal worker's organization sends a powerful message of support and solidarity to every one of you who has experienced this unimaginable trauma. You are not alone, and we stand by you in your journey toward healing and justice. Your resilience is truly inspiring, and it is essential to recognize that the fault lies solely with the perpetrators and not you. Don’t allow your experience to define you. They are part of your journey, but they do not diminish your worth, your dreams, or your ability to create a better future for yourself.

Together, we must continue to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, and fight against gender-based violence and trafficking. We will not rest until every survivor is treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.
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Many acts of gender-based violence are caused by trafficking. To address this, we must address human trafficking. Especially for communities where poverty and the lack of information on human trafficking/gender-based violence persist, legal empowerment of communities helps vulnerable communities to know, use and shape the law in addressing these injustices. Grassroots justice is important because it enhances the involvement of community members in developing solutions to their problems. It also educates communities on the causes, effects, and warning signs of trafficking and gender-based violence.

Today, 6th of December 2023, the Informal Workers Organization (IWO) was at the Obasanjo Technical Skills Training Center at the Western Rural Area District to raise awareness on the 16 Days of Activism against Gender- based Violence on the theme “No Trafficking of youths and women, No to gender- based violence”. Through this engagement, the awareness and advocacy seek to educate the public, challenge, social norms, and call for legal and policy reforms to addressed gender- based violence and human trafficking as IWO Quote say it all “EYES OFF OUR YOUTHS AND WOMEN”.

To prevent gender-based violence and trafficking in learning institutions, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including education, awareness-raising, and policy reform. This can involve providing education and training on gender-based violence, creating safe spaces for victims and potential victims, and implementing policies to prevent and respond to incidents of violence. Let's stand against human trafficking and gender-based violence in our communities.

In dialogue and participatory stakeholders meeting held at the Family Kingdom Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown, on Tuesday, 31st of October 2023, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children Affairs, discoursed a gathering of organizations devoted to promoting jobs for women in the informal economy on the topic; “Promoting Jobs to Enhance Job Creation for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the Informal Economy” funded by Open Society Foundations (OSF)

The minister underlined the importance of creating an enabling environment for women’s participation in the formal and informal sectors. She pinpointed a series of critical issues that need to be addressed to empower and protect women working in the informal sector, including but not limited to the necessity of signed contracts with clearly defined conditions and stimulating a co-existence society where women are treated with dignity and empathy.

She assured the audience that the government had taken substantial steps to create an enabling environment through policy and legal reforms. She emphasized the need to examine the implementation of these reforms, particularly for women in the informal economy, as they immensely contribute to the socio-economy of the nation.

The CEO and Founder of the Informal Workers Organization, Madam Chelcy Alma Heroe, made a concise presentation not limited to the organization's background, projects implemented, and success of the organization. She, however, urged the audience to enhance job creation for gender equality and women’s empowerment in the informal sector.

He who feels it knows it. IWO Gender Ambassadors presented and showcased their different skills working in male-dominated jobs, and pleaded to the government for scholarship opportunities to improve their skills and help other illiterate women who dropped out of school, who had experienced teenage pregnancy, and commercial s*x workers.