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Women workers in South Asia share similar challenges such as the multiple burdens on working women, unsafe public transport, the lack of gender-friendly environment in trade unions, and the stereotypical negative image on trade unions, just to name a few. However continuing efforts have resulted in some remarkable changes and achievements.

During a session at the UNI South Asian Women Empowerment Course held in New Delhi on 6 – 8 May 2013, participants were inspired by presentations from Sis. Dipa and Sis. Lankika and were motivated to apply the ideas to their own unions.

From left: Sister Lankika, and Sister Dipa speaking at the UNI South Asian Women Empowerment Course

UNI Nepal Liaison Council and its affiliates have been trying to reach out to youths in its “New Generation Network” meetings through campaigns for minimum wage in the informal sector, anti-harassments and various awareness trainings. Sis. Dipa was proud that the Nepalese affiliates are committed to the UNI 40for40 campaign, with some unions having constitution to ensure more than 40% are represented by women. The active engagement of women has also led to an increase number of women seats in decision-making bodies.

In Sri Lanka, newly elected women committee members from various sectors are charged with energy, and creative and innovative ideas to take on the challenge of engaging women who are not interested in union activities. Their program includes cooking demonstrations, discussions about child-care, women’s health and trade union. The secret on how to raise funds to organize events was also revealed. The women approached some big companies that share good relations with their unions to get sponsorship in exchange to advertising during the programs. Yoko Ogawa, Director for UNI Apro Equal Opportunities applauded the strong “will” and said that good teamwork can help overcome difficulties and produce great satisfaction. She is confident that the accomplishment achieved among women will lead to future success.

Participants agree that trade unions should not organize meetings / activities after working hours, but at other hours which are more convenient for women to participate. Participants also chorus that getting support from family and husband is indispensable for them to be more active in trade unions. More importantly, trade union activities have to be relevant, attractive and value-added to members in order to attract busy women and youth.

For the exemplary case studies in Nepal and in Sri Lanka, please refer to the Related Files tab.