GFI Founder’s Update — December 2020

Dear Friend,

As 2020 comes to a close I know many are relieved that this year will soon end. Far too many have faced undeniable hardship and loss. Communities of color, the poor and working poor and millions of informal workers have had to shoulder a far greater share of this year’s burdens. The women, men and children with whom the Global Fairness Initiative (GFI) works have been on the front lines of this pandemic facing disproportionate harm as government relief efforts and social safety nets have fallen far short. It is in this context that I want to acknowledge GFI’s efforts and express my gratitude for what GFI was able to accomplish despite COVID-19.

At the start of the pandemic, I sounded the call that informal and marginalized workers must be at the center of relief efforts. In Nepal, GFI responded. When brick workers were trapped during a nationwide lockdown, GFI provided emergency relief including food and PPE, and worked with kiln owners to design a severance plan that covered lost wages, ensuring these workers were not left behind. In Tunisia, GFI’s years-long partnership with the Tunisian government led to a sweeping regulatory reform. As the pandemic raged, Tunisia eased the registration process for informal workers precisely because the government was unable to target relief efforts to citizens who were not formally registered. Moreover, in September, GFI published a groundbreaking report calling on all stakeholders, especially those governments committed to reducing global poverty, to focus their interventions and relief on informal workers.

Most importantly, GFI’s efforts were not simply a response to the pandemic. Instead, GFI designed its response to tackle inequality at its roots, addressing underlying systems and structures to begin to lessen the systemic and disparate impacts they have historically had on the poor, working poor and informal workers. As the new year approaches, GFI’s work is far from over. Much more must be done and GFI is ready to take on the challenges 2021 will no doubt present.

On behalf of the Global Fairness Initiative, its Board of Directors, Advisors, staff and partners I want to thank you for your support. It is because of you that GFI can and will continue its global work. And, may you and your family have a happy holiday season and a safe and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,

Karen Tramontano

GFI Founder & President