BWI Statement on 2024 International Women's Day

The Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) commemorates International Women’s Day under the theme “Hold the Line: Women Fighting for Democracy.” We assert that the ability of working women to participate safely, freely, and without fear in all decisions affecting their working lives and conditions is a fundamental aspect of democracy. Wherever women are threatened and attacked, democracy, peace, and stability suffer. The catastrophic rollback of women's and gender rights, along with worsening gender-based inequalities, weakens democracies.

Across the globe, from Hong Kong, Myanmar, the Philippines, to Belarus, Argentina, Ukraine and Palestine, women are mobilising en masse, with thousands protesting and fighting the erosion of their rights and democratic principles. With energy and determination, women have emerged as leaders in both the trade union and democracy movements, refusing to yield to force and persisting in demanding the exercise of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The women’s fight for democracy is visibly iconic in countries where they face violent mass arrests and extreme violence. In Iran, women are bravely ceasing to wear hijabs in public as an act of resistance against state repression, despite the fear of arrest, violence, and even death. In Myanmar, they constitute the backbone of the resistance against the military junta. Moreover, in Palestine and Ukraine, women are fighting for their freedom and independence as they endure the inhumane violence of war and destruction.

The struggle of working women for democracy takes place in various arenas. It encompasses the day-to-day battle against inequality and discrimination in the community and workplace, where many still suffer from unemployment, poor working conditions, and pay discrimination. Additionally, they are increasingly burdened by the sole responsibility of caregiving.

Worldwide, democracies remain incomplete without equal rights and human rights for women. As we celebrate women’s struggles and achievements on International Women's Day, let us honour all the brave and determined women workers who hold the line and fight for gender and social justice, and democracy.

Working women, unite!

Hold the line and fight for democracy in society, local communities, trade unions, and workplaces!