Asia Pacific: Women unionists call for climate justice and 16 days of action vs. gender-based violence

BWI convened the Asia Pacific edition of its Global Organizing Academy (GOA) on 26-27 November 2023 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event was attended by 32 trade unionists from across the region, including 10 women leaders. In addition to sharing experiences, challenges, and tactics related to ground organizing, the GOA is being prepared as a platform to guide BWI’s campaigns.

As part of BWI’s series of regional events, the 20th Asia Pacific Regional Women’s Committee (APRWC), led by Phyo Sandar Soe, BWFM General Secretary, will take place on 28 November. The regional women’s committee (RWC) aims to solidify national and regional contributions on women and gender to reinforce the Global Strategic Plan adopted by the World Congress last year, including the climate justice agenda. BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson joined the regional events in Malaysia and called on the organizers and unionists, including the RWC, to expand the reach of BWI’s Climate Manifesto and work towards building a future that is more sustainable, safe, and just.

Sandar, who is also BWI Deputy President and APRWC Chair, spoke on the eve of the RWC meeting and reminded everyone of the task to guide the region in integrating and including the gender agenda across priorities, connecting it with the call for climate justice and a just transition. “Climate justice is an important issue as women workers are the worst affected and often bear the brunt of extreme weather events. On behalf of the AP RWC, we also reiterate our call for the 16 days of action this year: ‘Heat up Women Workers' Rights, Not the Planet! End Gender-Based Discrimination,’” she said.