ILI Knowledge Hub
Thematic Areas
ILI's research and resources are organized around interconnected themes and focus sectors, each grounded in evidence from the informal economy and centred on worker experience. Our primary focus is on women, who are the most vulnerable group in the informal sector, accounting for almost three-quarters of the informal workforce in some developing countries.
Cross-cutting Themes
Women's Economic Empowerment
Removing barriers so women can fully and equitably participate in the economy.
80%
of women in the Global South work in the informal economy.
$12T
could be added to global GDP by advancing women’s equality.
Decent Work
Ensuring decent work and fundamental labor protections is critical to safeguarding worker rights and strengthening livelihoods.
61%
of the world's workforce operates in the informal economy.
2M+
work-related deaths occur each year due to unsafe conditions.
Climate Resilience
Building climate resilience is increasingly urgent to protect workers and sustain livelihoods in a changing environment.
1.2B
jobs are dependent on a stable and healthy environment.
80%
of those displaced by climate change are women.
Transition to Formal Economy
Supporting transitions to the formal economy is necessary to expand access to rights, protections, and economic opportunity.
94%
of the world's informal workers are in developing and emerging countries.
25%
increase in average earnings is seen when workers formalize.
Focus Sectors
The Gig & Platform Economy
Supporting gig and platform workers in accessing rights, protections, and economic opportunities.
70M+
people are engaged in the gig economy globally.
90%
of gig workers lack access to social protections.
The Care Economy
Care work is essential to sustaining economies and societies, yet care workers face unique risks and challenges that require targeted solutions.
2.3B
people will be in need of care by 2030.
76%
of all unpaid care work is performed by women.