Online side event | 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour
Addressing the income–gender–child labour nexus in global value chains
This online side event, organised as part of the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour, explores how income, gender, and labour dynamics interact in global value chains, and how programmes can be designed to simultaneously reduce child labour and close living income gaps.
Child labour cannot be addressed in isolation from household income dynamics and gender norms. While many programmes seek to raise incomes to reduce child labour, evidence shows that income gains alone do not always lead to positive outcomes for children and, in some cases, may even increase child labour.
Addressing child labour is a core element of responsible business conduct in global value chains. To avoid unintended consequences, interventions must take into account not only income levels, but also household labour allocation, economic resilience, and prevailing social and gender norms.
Drawing on recent research conducted by KIT Royal Tropical Institute in 2025, this session will translate evidence into practical guidance for governments, companies, and civil society organisations working in complex value chains.
The session will:
- Present key findings from KIT’s research on the income–child labour–gender nexus
- Highlight four mechanisms shaping the relationship between income and child labour:
- income level
- economic resilience
- household labour dynamics
- social norms and cultural meanings
- Showcase high-potential approaches, including cash transfers, informal savings groups (VSLA), professional labour services, household-level approaches, and Child Labour Free Zones
- Share concrete field experiences from the private sector, civil society, and the UN system
Speakers
- Maggie de Jongh – Advisor, Responsible Business Conduct, Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
- Selma van der Haar – Advisor, Development Economics and Impact Evaluation, KIT Royal Tropical Institute (moderator)
- Delight Tendeku – Project Manager, Farmer Livelihoods, ETG / Beyond Beans Foundation
- Emmanuel Bukomeko – Consultant, Impact Programmes (East and Southern Africa), Rainforest Alliance
- Minoru Ogasawara – Chief Technical Officer, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Charlotte Bernhard – Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Production and Trade, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Target audience
This session is intended for:
- Government policymakers and development partners
- Companies, brands, and traders operating in global value chains
- Civil society organisations and implementing partners
- Researchers and practitioners working on child labour, living income, and gender equality
Registration
Participation is free, but advance registration is required.
