Social protection for workers in the informal economy: opportunities and constraints for informal worker-led schemes

Governments in many countries are increasingly looking at extending social insurance to informal workers. Yet many have faced great challenges in doing so, with low coverage rates a common feature. One response to the challenge of extending social protection to the informal workforce has been to consider the potential role of actors outside of the state. However, this work has not moved much beyond what is commonly referred to as ‘indigenous’ or ‘community-based’ forms of social protection. Drawing on three case studies, this chapter attempts to move the discussion forward another step by examining the opportunities and constraints faced by informal worker-driven social protection schemes. It argues that, while the challenges are great, there are pertinent reasons to see such schemes as a vital aspect of the social protection mix.