Kathmandu: Nepal has launched a National Campaign on Social Security for Informal Workers and the Self-Employed, aiming to extend social protection to millions of workers currently outside the formal safety net.
The campaign, launched by the Social Security Fund (SSF) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Nepal, seeks to address a major inclusion gap. More than 86 percent of Nepal’s workforce is in informal employment, with women disproportionately affected. While about 2.7 million workers are registered with the SSF, only around 1,500 informal and self-employed workers are currently enrolled.
Speaking at the launch, ILO Nepal Country Director Numan Özcan said the campaign aims to ensure that no worker is left behind, noting that social security is essential for equity, economic resilience, and inclusive development.
The campaign is supported by the European Union under its women’s empowerment programme. EU Head of Cooperation Jose-Luis Vinuesa-Santamaria said social security is a fundamental right and a long-term investment in people, regardless of the type of work they do.
Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Rajendra Singh Bhandari, the chief guest, said social security should act as a protective umbrella for workers, adding that strengthening systems is the responsibility of the State. MoLESS Secretary Dr. Krishna Hari Pushkar emphasized that social security is a human right, not a luxury.
The campaign will focus on strengthening local governments, raising public awareness, improving digital systems, and enhancing coordination among government agencies, employers, workers’ organizations, and civil society. Participants from government, development partners, civil society, and the media attended the event.
