New Year’s Message from International Coordinator Oksana Abboud

Dear Sisters and Brothers, colleagues and partners of StreetNet Family around the world!

We are over again at the end of the year! A very challenging and dramatic year due to an ongoing devastating Russian war in Ukraine, continuing conflicts and unrest in many other countries, which negatively affected the whole world and me personally. It’s not an easy challenge to accept with a common sense but as human beings, who adjust to any situation and circumstances, we continue our fight for social justice, for freedom, for democratic values and workers’ rights.  

Thus, despite all the external difficulties, StreetNet and our Affiliates proudly achieved a lot of progress and advanced their work at different levels.
 
First of all, on November 14, 2022, StreetNet has celebrated its 20 years anniversary since its creation! 20 years of struggle and resistance, 20 years of difficulties and achievements! Within 2022 StreetNet provided a lot of opportunities for different trainings and capacity building to strengthen all our organizations at local, national and regional level from enhancing their skills on negotiations with public authority, fundraising, social media, as well as targeting deeper knowledge on specific thematic areas, such as social protection and cross-border trade, international legal instruments and social solidarity economy. As always, empowering women and enabling women informal traders’ voice to directly speak up on their concerns and needs remains one of our main focuses.
 
In 2022, our leadership and operational team also went through an efficient and timely organizational evaluation and learning process which allowed us to identify strengths, weaknesses and revise our approach  in moving forward to build and amplify collective voice and unity.   

I am very grateful to all our members, leaders, partners and donors and of course, to StreetNet International Council and Team members for their commitment and hard work, support, encouragement and valuable contribution in our common struggle for recognition and dignity of all workers who deserve a fair treatment and respect.

We look forward to hold the StreetNet 7th International Congress next year in May and I wish to all of us a successful year ahead with new achievements, victory and, of course, a peaceful life for All! 

Enjoy the holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Nothing for Us without Us!   
Oksana Abboud, StreetNet International Coordinator