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IYCW Statement on the International Women’s Day – March 8

On such an important day for women and society, the young women workers of the IYCW want to make a statement in order to share part of their reality and to announce the campaigns they are carrying out for young women workers around the world. They want to speak of the actions they are taking in all continents to promote equality and participation of all young women workers so that they can live with dignity and justice.

The situation of young women workers

“I will begin by saying that in my country, Bolivia, female domestic workers are among the lowest wages of the working class” says Fatima, a 26 year old domestic worker and mother of two children.

“The day I had waited for had come. I was in front of different organizations and movements, church people, former national and international YCW leaders, families and friends. … Everything was ready. They were just waiting for me to start.” - Andy, Philippines

Manila, Philippines, August 25. It was 1:30 in the afternoon when Andy, the president of the Philippines YCW, launched the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the IYCW. Together with the Filipino national team, Andy had taken care of the planning and preparation of the event. This included the setting-up of committees in charge of the program, the presentation, the refreshments, the making of banners, streamers and placards, as well as rehearsals and finalizations.

On August 25th, the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) movement will march with the voice of young workers to remind the world of a movement with 50 years of international action experience and continued demands for the realisation of the dreams of young workers.

“This day marks the start of another new beginning for the IYCW, with a demand for work that respects the immeasurable worth of each and every young worker – more valuable than 'all the gold in the world' ” says Bridget Rauch, international coordinator of the IYCW.

Representing the International Movement, (whose international secretariat is located in Bruxelles, Belgium), young workers will gather in Manila, Philippines during an international exchange program to mark the official birthday of the International YCW movement.

The celebrations in the Philippines, also mark the international launch of the preparation towards the world council of the IYCW to be held in Tamil Nadu, India, in September 2008.