As a field, development is fond of linear approaches to problem solving. But not every social challenge can be codified into incremental, quantifiable goals, as those of us working on rights and justice issues know only too well. Part of the problem is that rights-based issues are “wicked”—that is, they are extremely complex, and their…
Nidan is distressed to see the upcoming economic and social challenges and drastic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the informal sector workers such as Safai Sathis, waste picker workers, domestic workers, daily wage workers, construction workers, street vendors, rickshaw workers, auto rickshaw workers, home based workers etc. These people need immediate help and materials…
When Arbind Singh was named Social Entrepreneur of the Year for 2008 in India, one of the award’s sponsors described Singh’s non-government organization (NGO), Nidan, as “[building] profitable businesses and people’s organizations led by assetless, informal workers.” “Social entrepreneurs embody excellence in creating disruptive technologies and ideas that empower the poor or the marginalized,” said…