07 Mar

UASA Media Release: 07 March 2024

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

On International Women’s Day, UASA honours all women in society and workplaces nationally and worldwide. This includes all of UASA’s women members. Apart from geographical boundaries, cultures, and economic, social or political differences, UASA believes that this day brings together all women observing a common goal for the greater benefit of women’s rights.

As we commemorate this day under the theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate Progress,” highlighting the importance of gender equality, women empowerment, and their rights at home and work, we all have a role.

UASA calls on unions across the globe, organisations, governments, stakeholders and society to work together to ensure that laws and declarations on women’s rights are accounted for on ‘paper’ and in people’s lives, ensuring that they become a reality.

To this day, women worldwide still face challenges that hinder them from growth and development on personal or professional levels.

  • Gender-based violence and harassment remain a significant challenge both at home and at work.
  • Gender stereotypes, inequality, discrimination and bias.
  • Job segregation, gender pay gap and social norms limit women’s fair access to labour markets and quality jobs.
  • Digitisation, access to education, especially the science, technology, engineering and technology (STEM) programmes.

We have witnessed dialogues, seminars and campaigns on women’s empowerment and rights. However, the actual task is in our respective communities and workplaces. What is being done to ensure that women are not left behind? How do we get young girls in rural areas to overcome inequality in access to education and technology?

UASA takes note and support international organisations that have stood their ground, working with human rights laws to ensure that women are included in every sphere of the economy and society. This included ILO’s convention C190 that was the 1st international treaty to recognize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. However, challenges persist, and we must be held accountable.

As unions, we can build alliances with employers and organisations to ensure that we assist each other to make the world of work a place where equality and fairness are a reality. If we work together, laws and declarations can become a reality for everyone. We cannot fail those who depend on us to improve the lives of all workers.

We encourage women to strengthen their collective power to address the common challenges that persist in their daily lives.

UASA wishes all women a happy International Women’s Day.

For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162 .

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