COSATU Statement on the International Women's Day
8 March 2018
COSATU joins the family of nations in commemoration of this important day that emerged out of the struggles of the working class. The trade union federation ,whilst commemorating this day remembers and lowers its banners in honour of the 146 young women workers who perished in the fire that broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York; many of whom were migrant workers. Workers continue to find themselves trapped and locked in the factories by the selfish bosses ,who only think about making profit at the expense of workers. Globally there is consensus that this day needs to be utilized to # PressforProgress
We are also celebrating it under our own national theme: " Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives," that speaks to our priorities Our national campaign theme, thus, sets the right tone for advancing the struggle for gender equality in rural areas and mining affected communities.
The United Nation 62 nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women 2018 Theme is "Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls" Indeed, there has never been a momentous time and space to press for special attention towards addressing our issues as women than during this time of the year and of course during this international women’s month !
As we commemorate International Women’s’ Day today, we need to reflect on progress and challenges in as far as women’s issues are concerned in our everyday lives; in the private and public spaces.As a country, we have made tremendous progress by developing national laws and policies that are biased towards women although implementation is still a challenge ;as evidenced by pervasive gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace ,which continues to haunt our workers and communities.
While in the labour market sector, progress has been made through the training of women as a means of achieving parity in the workplace, the gender division of work persists with certain jobs and positions still ascribe particular gender in a traditional fashion. Some employers still deny women to lead in strategic senior positions even if they possess the relevant qualifications.
The World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap report measurers gender equality as an important factor that influences whether economies and societies advance. The data shows that women are making positive gains; are present and participating in leadership roles and entering the labour market in numbers but there is a gap in Gender Parity and therefore a strong call - to - action to press forward for progress in closing the gap on PAY .
COSATU acknowledges that gender parity won’t happen overnight with the few people fighting for it; it therefore continues to collaborate with the Civil Society organisation that are fighting for the struggle of women emancipation and gender equality to ensure that we all Press for Progress in all areas, where women are able to make inroads economically and socially.
COSATU calls to its women members to ensure participation in areas where policies are formulated and ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality in all spheres and most importantly making sure that "Equal pay for work of Equal value" becomes Buzz words throughout. Let no workers be left behind.
Issued by COSATU
Gertrude Mtsweni COSATU Gender Coordinator
082 829 2966
or
Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794
COSATU joins the family of nations in commemoration of this important day that emerged out of the struggles of the working class. The trade union federation ,whilst commemorating this day remembers and lowers its banners in honour of the 146 young women workers who perished in the fire that broke out at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York; many of whom were migrant workers. Workers continue to find themselves trapped and locked in the factories by the selfish bosses ,who only think about making profit at the expense of workers. Globally there is consensus that this day needs to be utilized to # PressforProgress
We are also celebrating it under our own national theme: " Time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives," that speaks to our priorities Our national campaign theme, thus, sets the right tone for advancing the struggle for gender equality in rural areas and mining affected communities.
The United Nation 62 nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women 2018 Theme is "Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls" Indeed, there has never been a momentous time and space to press for special attention towards addressing our issues as women than during this time of the year and of course during this international women’s month !
As we commemorate International Women’s’ Day today, we need to reflect on progress and challenges in as far as women’s issues are concerned in our everyday lives; in the private and public spaces.As a country, we have made tremendous progress by developing national laws and policies that are biased towards women although implementation is still a challenge ;as evidenced by pervasive gender-based violence and sexual harassment in the workplace ,which continues to haunt our workers and communities.
While in the labour market sector, progress has been made through the training of women as a means of achieving parity in the workplace, the gender division of work persists with certain jobs and positions still ascribe particular gender in a traditional fashion. Some employers still deny women to lead in strategic senior positions even if they possess the relevant qualifications.
The World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap report measurers gender equality as an important factor that influences whether economies and societies advance. The data shows that women are making positive gains; are present and participating in leadership roles and entering the labour market in numbers but there is a gap in Gender Parity and therefore a strong call - to - action to press forward for progress in closing the gap on PAY .
COSATU acknowledges that gender parity won’t happen overnight with the few people fighting for it; it therefore continues to collaborate with the Civil Society organisation that are fighting for the struggle of women emancipation and gender equality to ensure that we all Press for Progress in all areas, where women are able to make inroads economically and socially.
COSATU calls to its women members to ensure participation in areas where policies are formulated and ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality in all spheres and most importantly making sure that "Equal pay for work of Equal value" becomes Buzz words throughout. Let no workers be left behind.
Issued by COSATU
Gertrude Mtsweni COSATU Gender Coordinator
082 829 2966
or
Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794
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