Youth Visions on Decent Work: Hackathon on the World of Work of Tomorrow

The purpose of this event was to unite young innovators and thinkers from across Rwanda in order to address challenges hindering the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG8) - Decent Work and Economic Growth. Through interactive training sessions and competitions, the hackathon aimed to put the voice of the youth in the center by at the same time fostering a deeper understanding of SDG 8 objectives.

Different projects have emerged from the hackathon namely the project entitled “Standardizing Minimum Wage in Rwanda” which aims at reducing unemployment and at the same time mitigating exploitative labor conditions. The project emphasizes the potential of a standardized minimum wage to bolster the purchasing power of Rwanda's workforce and to promote economic stability and social justice.

Another project that has emerged goes by the name of “Employment Readiness”, its purpose being to increase awareness regarding decent work and social protection by using digital tools.

And also the winning project, “Labor Info Connect” is based on digital tools. It represents a software solution to foster and simplify communication between workers, employers, and trade unions. The communication that is to be designed has the potential to create a more inclusive and transparent world or work.

The hackathon in total encompassed three days of intensive collaboration and was concluded by presentations of participants to the audience including the Rwandan Ministry of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA), the Rwanda Social Security board, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Private Sector Federation (PSF), the trade union COTRAF Rwanda and civil society organizations working on labor rights.

The winning team will receive further support from FES Rwanda office regarding the implementation of their project as well as valuable connections to key stakeholders.

FES Rwanda is more than happy about the opportunity to host creative and engaged members of the Rwandan youth and is looking forward to witnessing the further development of the winning project.

For more photos on this Hackathon event, Click here for pictures