Building Capacity and Networks of Home-Based Workers

Contributed by CLASS Nepal

From March to July 2026, CLASS Nepal actively engaged home-based workers (HBWs) in its study circle program. The majority of the participants were HBW’s. The study circle program focused on important themes such as ILO Convention 190, cybersecurity, trade union education, and climate change impact. These study circles created a friendly space where participants could learn together in a small group, share their experiences, and interact with each other. For many home-based workers, this was a valuable opportunity to strengthen their understanding of these important themes and boost their confidence level, so that they could be able to conduct and facilitate such activities on specific themes in their own circle, workplace, and at the community level with limited resources.

Our 9 Study circle facilitators are conducting local-level study circles in their CBOs, loose groups, unions, and women’s groups. A total of 82 participants gained knowledge about GBV and cybercrime in this period. 

In addition, CLASS Nepal also arranged the participation of HBWs in its important workshop in Kathmandu on the theme Workers' Participation for a Sustainable and Democratic Society. The workshop helped participants to gain knowledge about the socio-economic structure of our society and the important role that workers and trade unions play in promoting workers' rights and contributing to the country's economic development. These activities were an opportunity for HBWs to promote their work as well as products, connect with workers from different sectors, expand their networks, exchange ideas, and develop stronger relationships with multiple stakeholders that will support their future collective efforts.