One of the main thematic areas of our work is social and economic rights. This includes defending women’s rights in the workplace and denouncing all forms of gender-based violence, which is one of the main elements of inequality. Our work advocates for gender equality in labor relations and economic opportunities for women in national and international policies, considering the relationship between macro-economic policies and human rights obligations of governments. Some of our main strengths and contributions are information-sharing and advocacy opportunities related to gender equality issues. This work promotes diversity and equality in participation, as well as empowerment of women’s organizations.
A very comprehensive document was produced by the Global Union Federations (GUFs) – Education International (EI), the International Trade Union Confederation and Public Services International (http://unioncsw.world-psi.org/news/joint-guf-statement-un-ions-central-women%E2%80%99s-economic-empowerment-changing-world-work).
Some of the main points for advocacy are :
Women’s economic empowerment: Advocate for the empowerment of women over economic resources, for participation in economic decision-making and for access to quality public services.
Protection and equality in work opportunities: Advocate to end inequality in employment opportunities for women, who tend to be concentrated in sectors such as domestic work, education, health and social care, hotel, retail, catering and cleaning services, textiles, and the agricultural sector, which are often precarious and unsafe. Defend equal pay and protection such as living wages, social benefits, paid sick leave, pensions, insurance, freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Compensation for unpaid work: Advocate for the recognition and economic compensation of women’s unpaid work from which every society benefits, but is ignored in economic policies. Defend collective responsibility for these tasks and changes in social norms, including policies to prevent discrimination and labor exploitation.
End Gender-Based Violence: Advocate for policies to end all forms of violence, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse, domestic violence and harassment in the workplace. Defend the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) policy for decent work as ‘productive work for women and men in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity’.
Gender and education: Advocate for all forms of gender stereotyping to be challenged and eliminated from education, and for public policies to address gender inequalities related to achievement, employment, recruitment and governance in education; defend access to quality public education at all levels.
