The international alliance for street vendors, StreetNet, was launched in Durban, South Africa. StreetNet is an organization charged with protecting and promoting the rights of market and street vendors, as well as hawkers while increasing their visibility, voice, and bargaining power throughout the world.

For more information about StreetNet: www.streetnet.org.za

Remarks for StreetNet Launch by Ela Bhatt
November 2002

"For me, personally, this is a very fulfilling event. The connection-the old and the new-between Durban and Ahmedabad, between SEWU and SEWA. The women have received this connection, because of street vendors and their struggle of liberation from oppressive controls runs through as a common thread of seeking, I call it, second freedom, ie economic freedom. While talking of connection and seeking freedom, my mind and heart are filled with the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi....."  read more >