Spotlight on freedom and women in trade unions at International Women’s Day 2020

The new agreement is just a beginning

March 8th is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is freedom and CNV Internationaal wants to spotlight women in trade unions throughout the world. Women like Heng Chenda from Cambodia, Ayicha Amoussa Massadimi from Benin, and Leida Marcela from Venezuela.

“These women are important examples for all the women who work in textile factories or in agriculture,” says Anneke Westerlaken, President of CNV Internationaal. “They work hard to strengthen the position of women. They raise their voices, fight against  discrimination and for health and safety at work. The new agreement against violence at work, which was signed last year, brings these women much needed support.”

The ILO Convention 190 against violence and intimidation, implemented in June 2019,  could significantly improve the position of women at work. Could is the key word. We’re not done yet. Westerlaken says, “There’s been a backlash within the women’s rights movement over the past few years, which is cause for concern. It’s important to keep women’s rights on the agenda, on all levels of legislative bodies and collective labour organisations.”

Women like Heng Chenda, Ayicha Amoussa Massadimi, and Leida Marcela work towards getting women’s rights and fighting intimidation and discrimination at work on the agenda. “These women are examples and they’re effective. That is extremely important,” states Westerlaken. “We’re still behind, but we’re making some progress. More and more women are taking positions of leadership, also in the trade union movement.”

Global right to a safe work environment

The Violence and Harassment Convention (190) of 2019 has been implemented by governments, employers, workers who are part of the ILO. This agreement strives to ensure the right of every worker, man or woman, to a workplace which is free of any type of violence or intimidation. No matter where you work, temporary or permanent, in the formal or informal economy, in the city or in a rural area.

The #MeToo movement has made it clear that there are still many issues related to sexual harassment and violence and that these can be found anywhere, at any level of society. These issues can cost companies billions in losses. In  their productivity, their reputation, and lawsuits. Estimates for the costs related to sexual harassment in the EU alone come to 26 billion euros.

According to Westerlaken, “Companies across the world don’t realise this enough. Ensuring a safe work environment is actually good for business. An environment that makes the most of its workers’ qualities and where women are also given the opportunity to grow and be promoted.”

“We at CNV Internationaal have been fighting for these rights for years. But this agreement is still just a beginning,” emphasises Westerlaken. “Every country and every company should have to implement this convention into their own legislation.”

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