Women in the informal sector
The 2024 project focused on women’s groups in the informal sector. The aim was to provide the women in the informal sector with OSH training based on risk assessment of the work they do at their workplaces/sites.
The project plan included:
- Project orientation and invitations to relevant stakeholders.
- Identify the work sites and provide information on the project’s intent.
- Engaging OSH professionals in preparation for worksite visits.
- Risk assessment of the work and worksites is the basis for preparing training material.
- Prepare information/training materials for the workers.
- Liaison with different informal sector groups to agree on training programs.
- Design strategies and timelines for worksite visits and training.
- Visiting the worksite for training and information dissemination.
- After-project meetings to share experiences.
- Post-project site visit to follow up on safety measure implementation.
Training of tailoresses (in the informal sectors)
Ms Lovians Ochieng from OSH Pro Services (wearing a red reflective vest) conducts safety and health training with some of the tailoresses. The training materials were prepared based on a prior risk assessment and discussions with the women. Back pain was a significant concern among them, and many had left the profession due to it.
The average age of the tailoresses was 34, and their work experience varied, with some having up to 16 years. This was the first time they had heard about occupational safety and health. Only one had previously received training on the safe handling of sewing machines.
