WIEGO coordinated this multi-country project (2008-14) involving nine primary partners with activities in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Inclusive Cities Project was designed to strengthen MBOs in organizing, policy analysis, and advocacy so urban informal workers had the tools necessary to make themselves heard in urban planning processes.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project began as a collaboration of membership-based organizations (MBOs) of the working poor, regional/ global alliances of MBOs, and technical support organizations who worked together to improve the situation of the working poor.
What Are Inclusive Cities?
Inclusive cities are those that value all people and their needs and contributions equally. The project defined “inclusive cities” as those that ensure all residents – including the urban working poor – have a representative voice in governance, planning, and budgeting processes. Inclusive cities ensure the working poor have access to secure and dignified livelihoods, affordable housing, and basic services such as water/sanitation and electricity supply.
Project Partners
In addition to WIEGO, primary partners in the Inclusive Cities Project included:
- Asiye eTafuleni (South Africa)
- Avina Foundation (Latin America)
- HomeNet South Asia
- HomeNet South-East Asia
- Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (India)
- Latin American and Caribbean Network of Waste Pickers
- Self-Employed Women’s Association (India)
- StreetNet International
Highlights & Outcomes
Impact and highlights from the project can be found at www.inclusivecities.org
Building Inclusive Cities: Highlights from the Inclusive Cities Project, edited by Rhonda Douglas, who coordinated the project.