Latin America and the Caribbean: Economic recovery requires gender equality

25 BWI-affiliated trade unions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) marked this year’s International Women's Month by demanding gender equality in their governments’ COVID-19 recovery efforts. The unions also called for more ratifications of International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment at Workplaces.

“The social, economic and labour consequences of the pandemic hit women workers the hardest. Thus, economic recovery after the pandemic requires women’s active participation, with unions pushing for a strong gender perspective in recovery efforts,” said Fabiana Santos, BWI Regional Women’s Committee President and FENTICOMMC leader in the Dominican Republic. 

Meanwhile, in the second episode of “BWI Conversations,” UOCRA women leader  Marta Pujadas discussed with BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson their successful efforts in persuading the Argentinian government in ratifying ILO Convention 190 and how it will help in eradicating gender-based violence. 

“Gender-based violence is a social problem deeply-rooted in our society which must be eliminated. By eradicating it, women can participate more in decision-making processes and ensure a better future where women empowerment is secured,” Pujadas said.  

Under BWI’s dual themes of “Equal and Better Future for All” and “No Recovery Without Gender Equality,” women trade unionists from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Curaçao, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Brazil launched digital campaigns, video messages, and online and face-to-face activities to celebrate women’s month. They joined hands in demanding a gender-equal better future where gender equality is a central component of economic recovery.