Date: February 13, 2024
Today, on International Radio Day, we at the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) celebrate the critical role that radio plays in empowering communities, disseminating vital information, and fostering social cohesion. As a union representing informal economy workers, we understand that access to information is a cornerstone of economic and social transformation.
Radio has long been a powerful tool in our struggle for recognition, rights, and equitable opportunities. For countless informal workers—including street vendors, market traders, and cross border traders—radio serves as a lifeline, providing updates on local policies, sharing vital market information, and amplifying our voices in a society that often overlooks us.
In the context of our ongoing advocacy for better working conditions, formalisation, fair trade practices, and social inclusion, we recognize the importance of utilizing radio as a platform for education and awareness. Through community radio stations, we can reach our members and beyond, ensuring that the issues affecting our livelihoods are addressed and understood.
As we commemorate this day, we call on media organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to:
1. Recognize the Voices of the Informal Economy: Engage informal economy workers in discussions about policies that impact their lives. We urge radio stations to offer airtime for our stories, challenges, and successes, ensuring that the narratives of informal workers are represented and heard.
2. Advocate for Inclusive Programming: Develop radio programs that cater to the unique circumstances of informal economy workers, focusing on entrepreneurship, rights awareness, and access to social services. Such initiatives can empower our members and enhance their capacities to advocate for themselves.
3. Leverage Technology for Broader Reach: Embrace digital enhancements that allow radio to expand its audience, particularly in rural and marginalized areas where access to traditional media may be limited. This will help in distributing critical information that can transform lives and livelihoods.
4. Support Local Content Creation: Encourage the creation of community-driven content that reflects the realities and aspirations of informal workers. When we share our own stories, we contribute to a richer, more inclusive media landscape.
As we reflect on the power of radio today, let us commit to fostering an environment where the voices of the informal economy are amplified, and where we can work together towards a more just and equitable society. Together, we can harness the transformative power of radio to improve the lives of countless workers who contribute vibrant energy to our economies and communities.
In solidarity,
Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)
Working Together for a Fair Future
February 13, 2024
