Developed by the International Labor Organization (ILO) *, this guide has three objectives: (i) to provide technical inputs to implementers of programs and policies to eradicate child labor to design projects or programs that improve the income of families with children , girls and adolescents in this situation through their productive inclusion; (ii) improve the efficiency and economic performance of value chains in which there is a presence of child labor; and (iii) propose additional instruments for families with children and adolescents in work situations to generate income.

The origin of child labor is not only in poverty, but also in other factors –social, cultural, institutional and political– that influence individually or interrelatedly. Depending on its causes, there are different approaches to deal with this reality. Some programs focus on regulating the labor market and child labor as such; others emphasize communication and awareness raising both among parents and with different local actors. Likewise, a group of programs focuses on establishing strategies and tools for productive inclusion and economic empowerment. This guide is framed precisely in this last group of programs; In other words, those aimed at improving the productivity and economic inclusion of families with children in work situations, as well as to identify deficiencies in the value chains in which there is child labor. All this under a systemic market approach.

Why address child labor under a market systems approach?

The use of a systemic approach to the development of value chains allows a broad analysis of the markets: their current state, the institutions, standards, actors and functioning, and identifies possibilities for the development and expansion of markets in the sectors in which families are found. with child labor. This approach makes it possible to identify the causes of market dysfunctionalities and, from there, determine spaces for action to generate changes and impact. In this way, once the causes of child labor in value chains have been identified, it is specified in actions that generate clear options for the productive inclusion of families with working children. By creating employment and generating income, economic dependence on child labor is reduced. The systemic approach of value chains is complemented by the methodological approach of sustainable livelihoods and local economic development. In this way, the environment is analyzed without losing sight of the individual, their context, needs, social and economic characteristics.

Structure of the guide: seven stages that respond to the prevention and eradication of child labor

The guide has seven chapters called "stages." The first three aim to carry out a diagnosis of supply and demand in the labor market. The fourth stage offers general awareness-raising guidelines and directs the reader to material of interest to establish an awareness-raising strategy at different levels and for different audiences. The fifth stage delves into the analysis of the value chains within the previously selected sectors. This analysis identifies gaps and bottlenecks that hinder the full development and possible expansion of these value chains and the potential to create employment for the target group. Next, the stages that offer instruments for the design and execution of the appropriate strategies are outlined. The sixth stage seeks to respond to these gaps and bottlenecks by identifying actions and the offer of programs / methodologies to develop value chains without child labor. The seventh stage is an alternative that complements a strategy of productive inclusion and economic empowerment by articulating programs that promote the labor and productive insertion of families not included in the previous stage. This stage proposes alternatives to promote access to the labor market in a dependent manner or through self-employment. Finally, the guide proposes simple steps to execute a monitoring and follow-up strategy. The seventh stage is an alternative that complements a strategy of productive inclusion and economic empowerment by articulating programs that promote the labor and productive insertion of families not included in the previous stage. This stage proposes alternatives to promote access to the labor market in a dependent manner or through self-employment. Finally, the guide proposes simple steps to execute a monitoring and tracking strategy. The seventh stage is an alternative that complements a strategy of productive inclusion and economic empowerment by articulating programs that promote the labor and productive insertion of families not included in the previous stage. This stage proposes alternatives to promote access to the labor market in a dependent manner or through self-employment. Finally, the guide proposes simple steps to execute a monitoring and follow-up strategy.

A guide to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The ILO makes this guide available as a contribution to the design of public policies, programs and projects for the elimination of child labor that countries should implement and / or reinforce with a view to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as such as SDG 8 aimed at promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all; the eradication of poverty in all its forms (SDG 1); the reduction of inequities (SDG 11), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and the establishment of alliances for sustainable development (SDG 17).

To download the document, click on the link: Guide to productive inclusion and economic empowerment for the prevention and eradication of child labor .

* This guide has been prepared within the framework of the project "Eradication of child labor in El Salvador through economic empowerment and social inclusion", which is being implemented by the International Program for the Eradication of Child Labor of the International Organization of the Worked and funded by the United States Department of Labor. This project aims to strengthen national efforts to eliminate child labor, particularly the worst forms, integrating this reality more closely with policies and programs to combat poverty, job creation, education and other social protection networks. . What's more,