| Speaking at the ILO Conference 2009 |
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| Written by Secrétariat International | ||||
| Wednesday, 15 July 2009 | ||||
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Honourable Chair,
Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentleman, First of all the International Young Christian Workers would like to thank you for allowing us to take the floor in the Committee on Gender Equality. The IYCW is an international movement representing young workers in more than 2,000 grassroots groups in 48 countries across all continents. We would like to take the floor in order to bring to your attention our experience of work on gender equality. We also agree that gender equality is at the heart of decent work The economic crisis is expected to increase the number of unemployed women by up to 22 million in 2009, the International Labour Office (ILO) says in its annual Global Employment Trends for Women report (GET), adding that the global job crisis is expected to worsen sharply with the deepening of the recession in 2009.
The facts show that young women have been the most vulnerable victims of the global economy meltdown from the end of last year. In this millennium, women are still facing inequality in their workplaces and in society.
YCW member Ranjani from Amman Pettai – Thanjavur, India said, “we are working with men in the fields, we are doing the same work, but men receive Rs 80 per day. For the same work we receive Rs 45 per day. There is no explanation for that, except that they are men.” Ranjani is not the only one in this situation. I also went through this in the garment factory in the Free Trade Zone in Sri Lanka, and for many other young women workers all over the world the situation is the same. The inequality is not only in terms of salary, but also in terms of social protection, rights, training and education, etc. The IYCW is organising and training young women workers to be empowered in their working place and society. To combat this reality the IYCW demands: 1. Equal, sustainable and quality job: A job that guarantees the equality between men and women, sustainability of work and its quality with respect to the dignity of young men and women workers. 2. Equal labour force participation: Men and women should have equal job opportunities. There should be no discrimination based on gender. 3. Equal social protection: The scope of social protection coverage should be broadened to include people who are working in the informal economy and home-based workers, including housewives with no work. 4. Equal rights at work: Economic, social, cultural and political rights should be equal for young men and women workers. This should be translated into national legislations and practically implemented in the field of work. 5. Equal opportunity for education and training: Men and women should have equal education opportunities. We demand to all member states and encourage the ILO and trade unions to continue to educate young men and women on their rights, together with the NGOs, to obtain job equality, social protection, income security and quality education for all. On behalf of the International Young Christian Workers, we sincerely hope that the tripartite partners will consider the suggestions made and thank you very much for your attention. Geethani Peries President - International Young Christian Workers  Quote this article on your site | Views: 1697
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