Understanding the role played by women on a global scale implies a certain developmental projection for society. Understanding that women are not only driving forces in the management of the household, but are also involved in economic, political and social progress is a challenge that invites society to join in this change.
With this in mind, the young women of the YCW in Ghana are aware of the urgent need to develop a series of activities and actions to highlight the role of women in society, the positive changes they bring to development, and their importance.
“It's been 3 years since I finished my university studies and it's hard for me to find a job, so we're making a living in the informal sector. Our government has no job creation policy, and Congolese youth is suffering enormously. To avoid falling into banditry, I've opted for entrepreneurship: I buy clothes and sell them on the Internet. This allows me to live and take care of myself. To get a job, you need to belong to a political clan. If you're not involved in politics, it's hard to get a stable job.” - Testimony from a young man in DRC
Congolese young people have the capacity to face up to difficult situations, as testified by this young man who, despite the situation in which he lives, manages to work. Nevertheless, as young people, they need to find alternatives and real solutions to their precarious situation. This is why the YCW is working to find solutions for a better future and a dignified life.
The third edition of the Summer School Week on Environment took place from January 21 to 27 at the El Quisco YCW Retreat House, located on the picturesque hillsides of the Valparaiso region. This week-long educational event aims to have an impact on the reality of young people and children, focusing on environmental issues that threaten our territories and affect our lives in significant ways. Its key objective is to offer an enriching educational experience focused on environmental awareness and community action.
Egypt is faced with an extremely high inflation rate, with the cost of living, food and basic necessities increasing daily. The country's wealth is unevenly distributed, with over 75% of the population living in poverty.
The country is opening the door to loans from the World Bank for construction and reconstruction projects, while at the same time erasing human-related activities and development, in particular education, health and housing.
Due to the economic crisis, many children, boys and girls alike, have dropped out of school to enter the job market. They generally work in difficult conditions and in informal jobs, in stores, soap factories, clothing factories, etc., without any protection or care and with wages that are not sufficient to cover daily needs.
By Brian Geronimo
Japan is one of the best places and destinations in Asia for tourism and work. It is due to his unparalleled and unique culture, advanced technology, and heavy manufacturing industries. Japan’s economy relies mainly on the manufacturing sector, electro-mechanical technology, car production and retail trade industries.
During the field mission of IYCW-ASPAC to YCW Japan, one of the best learning experiences was the deep sharing of their cultural heritage and work values. Although the language and beliefs may vary from other countries in Asia and the rest of the World, the working conditions of many young people in Japan are not far removed from the conditions and situations of young people in other countries, especially in the social and economic aspects of life.
In Nicaragua, maquilas have become the main source of income over the years. Until 2019, the country had 52 industrial parks and 226 companies but due to the social situation and the Covid-19 pandemic, massive layoffs took place and many companies closed their doors without paying compensation to their workers.
Since 2020, hundreds of young people have emigrated to other countries (Costa Rica, Mexico, USA, Spain, El Salvador). With the loss of investors in the country, the job shortage further impoverished households directly dependent on those large global supply chains, as many of these young people lacked the professional education that would have enabled them to find other formal work options.
If you are a recent graduate or a young worker from the province, looking for your first job or having been looking for work for a long time in the Manila metropolitan area, offers may exist, but these are usually contractual agreements. Some of you may be hesitant to take on these positions, while some have no option but to accept the job. This reality is reflected in many testimonies of YCW members in Valenzuela City.
YCW Philippines, together with other trade unions and organizations, is calling for an “ENDO” of the contractualization system in the Philippines. Contractualization is actually bad not just for workers but for all Filipinos. It may take a decade of struggle, but right now, we can already do something about it.
- YCW Namibia Resuming Training for Action
- Guatemala YCW: Training in screen printing and sublimation to give young people access to employment
- Brazil YCW: Raising Awareness of the Environment and the Solidarity Economy, Cookery School and Plastic Recycling Project
- YCW Germany: A National Action Group on Gender Equality
- Philippines: The Life and Work of Young Fishermen in Mercedes, Camarines Norte
- Peru: a Lima YCW Action to Re-communalize Neighborhood Life
- The Challenge of Training to Empower Young People in the Congo YCW
- Young People of Flanders Speak Up and Are Ready to Act!
- The IYCW celebrates the International Week of Young Workers - April 24th - May 1st, 2020
- YCW Wallonia-Brussels is standing up against fascism and racism
- KAJ Flanders: Stop the Train of Temporary Work Abuses
- 15 March 2019 — Charleroi, Belgium: Demonstration Against Repression
- Salt for Dignity through Solidarity - YCW Haiti’s action presented
- The Bicycle Rally of the India YCW
- YCW Egypt struggles against sexual harrassment
- Young Christian Workers in Egypt redefined Their Future Life and Work
- Young Workers March to Berlin on May Day Celebration
- March 15, 2017: “Just Work, not Bullets”