“Today on International Women’s Day, let’s remember our collective and shared responsibility to prevent and address gender-based discrimination and harassment at the workplace” said Smritee Lama, member of the BWI Asia-Pacific Regional Women’s Committee and Secretary of CUPPEC (Nepal) in a broadcasted address to social media. “I urge Governments worldwide to ratify the Convention 190 so that women can be safer in the workplace and able to advance their own interests without fear or threat.”
In Tamil Nadu (India) five unions commemorated IWD, including TKTMS, who conducted a mass meeting calling for ratification of C190 and 33 percent women’s representation in the Parliament, while SGEU held a procession of women workers pushing for ratification of C.190 in Salem. In Uttar Pradesh state the UPGMS organised an awareness meeting at the accredited certified skills training centre (formerly Child Labour School), while in Gujarat State SEWA representatives participated in women workers’ cooperatives. In Bihar, CLU and HKMP carried out twin demonstrations in Patna calling for the adoption of advocating for stronger safety protections under the State Construction Workers Welfare Boards.
In Victoria (Australia) unions including BWI affiliates the CFMEU and the ETU participated in the Women’s Rights at Work Fest that focused on promoting skills training and equal pay, followed by a huge march through Melbourne.
In Bangladesh, the BSBWWF and BBWWF carried out rallies in Dhaka and addressed the press for ratification of C.190. In Colombo (Sri Lanka) the NTUF also conducted a meeting of women workers’ and union members.