Mercy Corps Youth Employment’s Post

🚀 Introducing Movement 10: Uplifting Indian Gig Workers with Just ₹10 🙌 What if ₹10 could unlock free daily educational content for your kids and engaging activities for your elders—while supporting gig workers? In our app-powered world, gig workers keep things running—delivering food, rides, and more. Yet, many face unstable incomes, fluctuating due to platform, location, and demand. That’s why we launched Movement 10. Our mission: to encourage people to voluntarily donate ₹10 when using a gig worker’s service. For us, it’s a small amount—barely noticeable—but for gig workers, it can provide a significant financial boost and stability. 💡 How It Works: Every time you use a gig service, you can voluntarily tip ₹10. Here's the potential impact: If 20-30% of customers tip, gig workers could earn an additional ₹2,500 to ₹7,500 per month. If 60-70% tip, that can rise to ₹5,000 to ₹15,000. For an average Indian earner, ₹10 is nothing, but for gig workers, it can mean much-needed income. 🎁 What’s in it for You? As a thank-you, Movement 10 offers free daily AI-generated content on WhatsApp & Telegram—benefiting your family: For your children: Engaging educational materials, stories, and games that inspire learning. For your elders: Uplifting content including inspiring stories, puzzles, and activities to keep minds active. Whether you choose to tip or not, you’ll receive fresh, valuable content every day that benefits your loved ones. 💸 Why ₹10? ₹10 may seem small to you, but when combined, it creates real change. A gig worker serving 50 customers daily could earn ₹12,500 more per month if everyone tipped. Even with 20-30% tipping, that’s still ₹2,500 to ₹7,500—a huge difference for them. 🌟 Join the Movement We’re excited to announce that our first batch of content will be live soon! Join our WhatsApp or Telegram groups to access this free, daily content. With ₹10, you support gig workers and also enrich the lives of your children and elders. Together, we can make a difference—one ₹10 tip at a time. movement10(dot)in I will end this post with a favourite quote of mine, which has inspired the conception of Movement 10 greatly...

The Rise of the Gig Economy in Kenya The gig economy in Kenya is booming, offering flexible, project-based work for both businesses and individuals. This rise is fueled by several factors, including increased mobile phone and internet penetration, as well as the widespread use of mobile money. Platforms such as ride-hailing apps and online freelancing sites are key drivers of this shift, creating more accessible job opportunities for Kenya’s large youth population. However, the gig economy comes with challenges like job insecurity and a lack of benefits, as gig workers often don't receive protections like health insurance or retirement plans. Despite this, the flexibility and independence that come with gig work make it an attractive option for many Kenyans, particularly in urban areas. Looking forward, the gig economy is expected to grow even further, potentially creating new jobs and formalizing more of Kenya’s workforce. With improved regulations and support, gig work could become an even more vital part of the country's economic future. How Accurate Resumes Can Help: Accurate Resumes can guide gig workers in Kenya to craft strong, tailored resumes that highlight their skills and achievements, helping them secure better opportunities in this evolving job market. #GigEconomy #KenyaJobs #YouthEmployment #AccurateResumes

Invitation to Webinar: Rethinking Social Protection and Social Contracts in the Context of the Gig Economy | 27 March | 14h00 -15h00 SAST I will be chairing a thought-provoking webinar on the impact of the gig economy on social contracts and social protection! The rise of platforms like Uber and Upwork has changed how people work. While offering flexibility, gig work often lacks social safety nets and fair wages. This webinar explores: ~ How social policies can adapt to the unique challenges of gig work. ~ Perspectives of gig workers, policymakers, and platform owners. ~ Envisioning a more inclusive social contract. The webinar contributes to discussions around UN Sustainable Development Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. When: (Today) March 27, 2024 Time: 14:00 - 15:00 SAST (South African Standard Time) Presenters: ~ Professor Lauren Graham (Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg) ~ Khuliso Matidza (CSDA, University of Johannesburg) Discussant: ~ Professor Marianne Sandvad Ulriksen (Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark) The event is hosted by the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA), University of Johannesburg, and the JUST SOCIETY, University of Southern Denmark. #GigEconomy #SocialContract #FutureOfWork #SDGs #DecentWork #Webinar #SocialProtection #JustSociety #CSDA #UJ #Denmark https://lnkd.in/dEhNzPPm

I recently posted about the global trends in the gig economy. But Africa is home and my interest is in helping grow the gig economy in Africa. So, what are the African stats? The gig economy in Africa is growing rapidly and shows significant potential for expansion in the coming years, fueled by increased digital connectivity and innovative payment solutions. Here are some key statistics and insights: Rapid Growth Projections. In Kenya, the gig economy is expected to grow by 33% over the next five years, contributing significantly to GDP. It is valued at $109 million and supports over 36,000 gig workers, with projections to reach $345 million and employ 93,875 people by 2029. Youth Employment With Africa's youthful population, the gig economy provides a vital avenue for reducing unemployment. In Kenya, for example, where youth unemployment is high, digital platforms enable young people to access competitive and formalized jobsThe Exchange Africa Barriers and Opportunities While payment systems like M-Pesa and PayPal have made cross-border payments more accessible, challenges remain, such as high transaction fees and restrictions in countries like Nigeria. Innovations like blockchain-based digital identity systems (e.g., Humanity NFT) aim to overcome these barriers Broader Impact The gig economy is helping transition workers from informal to formal employment structures, providing stability and increased income opportunities. It is also expected to create opportunities for high-skilled remote work as intra-African trade agreements, like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), boost regional collaboration and employment Africa’s gig economy highlights the potential for digital platforms to drive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and create new opportunities for freelancers across the continent. Addressing barriers such as payment fragmentation and low-income levels will be critical to unlocking its full potential. #GigEconomy #FutureOfWork #DigitalWorkforce #Freelancing #RemoteWork #jobguruafrica Start your freelancing journey on Job Guru Africa. https://lnkd.in/dKMAWdBZ

The numbers tell a stark story: 32% of freelancers denied credit cards, 38% discouraged from even trying. This isn't just about banking—it's about barriers holding back Bangladesh's digital workforce. These talented professionals power Bangladesh's digital economy, yet face outdated financial obstacles. The Elevate Pay community survey reveals what many have experienced in silence: a financial system that needs to evolve. But there's hope. With 17% breaking through, we've seen what's possible. It's time to build bridges, not barriers. Together, we can create financial solutions that match the innovation of remote workforce. Find deep-dive article link in the comment.

What is the gig economy, and why is it growing? Are we ready (now) for this market in Botswana? Even though I first heard of this term in 2021, the gig economy is still nascent in Botswana, but it is gradually gaining traction. With the rise of digital platforms and the increasing demand for specialized skills, more and more Batswana are exploring gig work to earn income. However, the country may not be fully ready for the gig economy, as challenges exist, such as limited access to technology and a lack of formalized freelancer regulations. Additionally, gig workers need greater financial literacy and support to ensure that they are adequately compensated and protected in this evolving labour market. Our country needs to adapt and prepare for the gig economy to realize its potential and benefit from its opportunities fully. The gig economy, also known as the freelance or on-demand economy, is a labour market characterized by short-term, freelance or independent contractor work, often facilitated by digital platforms. This type of work allows individuals to work on a project-by-project basis, offering flexibility and autonomy. The gig economy is growing for several reasons. Firstly, technological advancements have made it easier for individuals to connect with potential clients or employers, enabling them to find work and establish themselves in the marketplace. Additionally, many people are drawn to the flexibility and freedom that gig work offers, as it allows them to work on their own terms and schedule. As traditional job opportunities become scarcer or less appealing, more people are turning to the gig economy as a viable alternative. What are your thoughts? Credit: profit_image - stock.adobe.com #learn #grow #connect

The Gig Economy and Ethiopia’s Young Labor Force: A Transformative Opportunity Ethiopia is at a pivotal moment. With much of its population under 30, the country boasts one of the youngest labor forces in Africa. This demographic advantage, paired with the rise of the gig economy, presents an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the nation’s economic landscape. The gig economy—characterized by flexible, freelance, and short-term work—has already made global waves, and Ethiopia is no exception. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are enabling young Ethiopians to tap into global markets, earning income in foreign currencies and gaining exposure to diverse industries. Locally, ride-hailing and delivery services are creating jobs that cater to Ethiopia’s urban centers. However, challenges persist. Limited access to digital infrastructure, lack of consistent policies, and skills mismatches hinder many from fully participating. Addressing these gaps through improved internet access, targeted skills training, and policy reforms could unlock the full potential of Ethiopia’s gig economy. By embracing the gig economy, Ethiopia can empower its youth, reduce unemployment, and accelerate economic growth. The time to act is now. Thoughts?  

It's disheartening to see the struggles faced by domestic workers as households in South Africa are forced to cut back on essential help due to economic pressures. This article sheds light on a critical issue that impacts both workers and families alike. We must find ways to support and protect these invaluable members of our society. Kudos to BusinessTech for bringing attention to this pressing matter and starting a conversation on possible solutions. #SupportDomesticWorkers #SouthAfrica #EconomicChallenges #FairEmployment https://lnkd.in/dQvCavRT

🌍 💼 Debates are swirling around the social contract and its renegotiation, especially in developing contexts with large informal economies. At the same time, the gig economy's surge has brought about a notable increase in individuals working on platforms like Uber, Sweepsouth, and Upwork, where they take on short-term gigs as independent contractors. While this shift is celebrated as an opportunity for marginalised groups such as young people and migrants to participate in the economy, it also sheds light on the hurdles faced by informal economy workers – from low wages to job insecurity. We're thrilled to invite you to a webinar where we'll delve into findings from a study on gig work and how it's prompting us to rethink the social contract. This discussion is crucial for advancing conversations around SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Hosted by the Centre for Social Development in Africa, at the University of Johannesburg, in collaboration with JUST SOCIETY SDU at Syddansk Universitet – University of Southern Denmark, this webinar will explore how social policies can navigate the unique dynamics of gig work. We'll consider the perspectives of gig workers themselves, policymakers, and platform owners, exploring the implications for crafting a revised social contract that's more inclusive and expansive. 📅 Date: 27 March 2024 🕰 Time: 14h00 - 15h00 SAST 🔗 Register Here: https://bit.ly/4a0hKTE Let's come together to shape a future where everyone has access to decent work and economic opportunities! #GigEconomy #SDG8 #DecentWorkAndEconomicGrowth

Why #ImmigrantWorkers were more likely than natives to lose their job during #Covid19: 'The labor market impact of Covid-19 on immigrants: Job loss from Covid-19 was greater among immigrants than the native-born in most developed countries' by Hugh Cassidy at Kansas State University #workingfromhome #labormarketdisparities Elevator pitch The labor market disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns impacted immigrant workers more severely than native-born workers in the US, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. Immigrant workers in most of these countries were more vulnerable to the pandemic since they were more likely to be employed in jobs that are not as easy to perform remotely. The labor market recovery for both groups in the US was rapid, and by Fall 2020, the employment gaps between immigrant and native-born workers, both for men and women, had returned to pre-pandemic levels. Read the entire article: https://lnkd.in/e7HErnxD