ITUC commends UNCSW68 for progress on gender equality, workers’ rights

THE International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has eulogised the progress made at the recently concluded 68th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW68).

It also described the conclusion of the event in favour of the working people as “key wins.”

ITUC also said the event was an opportunity for trade unions to advocate for their priorities for gender equality and workplace democracy, while noting that the event engaged in meaningful dialogues with global leaders and forged networks with women’s groups.

The key achievements of UNCSW68 for the working people includes: “recognition of statutory or negotiated minimum wages as essential for combating poverty among women; call for equal pay for work of equal value and for the transition from informal to formal work and universal social protection policies; affirmation of the importance of workplace democracy for achieving gender equality through the right to organise and bargain collectively, highlighting its role in eradicating women’s economic disadvantages and push for increased public investment in the care economy, social infrastructure, including universal social services and support based on equality and non-discrimination, to address the problem of unpaid care work and promotes decent work for women.”

In spite the above listed key decisions in favour of the working people, ITUC’s General Secretary, Luc Triangle, said, “While we celebrate the progress, we remain vigilant in addressing the gaps.

“Working people want more emphasis on workplace democracy through collective bargaining and social dialogue and stronger language on gender-transformative taxation and financing on the recognition of multiple and intersecting identities and on ILO C190 for the eradication of gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work.

“The ITUC, as the global voice for workers, is committed to advocating for these issues, aiming for a more inclusive, fair, democratic and equal workplace for women worldwide.”

About 4,800 representatives from civil society organisations participated at the UNCSW68, the second-highest attendance in the event’s history, which focused on the economic empowerment of women and gender equality in the workplace.

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