For equality, through thick and thin
Dear sisters, dear fighters, dear life warriors:
It need not be the 8th of March to commemorate our day. But when the date comes, we inevitably ask ourselves where we stand in terms of gender equality. We also inevitably (or at least I do) reflect on the immense progress we have achieved. In my case, I like to put faces to these achievements. Our continent can proudly show the faces of the presidents of Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Costa Rica. The girls who were born in the last decade will be able to say "when I grow up I want to be President" and can build their imaginary based on women of flesh and blood, who dared to break down the glass ceiling.
And they can also dream of being the President of a Trade Union Confederation, like Barbara of CUT Chile. And in Colombia they will want to be like our sisters Luz Marina, Fanny, and Yuli, Presidents of their Unions, young women who broke through fear and discrimination. And like them, young women who lead their unions in Brazil, Argentina, Peru, United States, Canada, the Caribbean.... throughout the continent.
Is it easier for them than it was for women of my generation? I think not. There is still much to do to eradicate the patriarchal culture. There is still a long way to go for us to achieve truly shared and equal power.
The pay gap between men and women shows that this is so. Despite having more years of education than men, women continue to be in worse paid occupations. When comparing men and women of the same age and the same educational level in the region, men earn on average 17 percent more than women. The wage gap has been decreasing in recent years, but at a pace that remains slow.
During 2013 gender violence in our region claimed at least 1800 lives. Although this is a staggering figure, it does not show the true extent of this tragedy, as it does not include the situation in Mexico and Brazil or the many other women who have been physically injured or psychologically abused. The data is overwhelming; and it is also overwhelming to see that femicide is increasing every day as a consequence of those who will not tolerate their victims to stand up and fight.
However, we have millions of reasons to be optimistic. Because we are winning this cultural battle, along with the thousands of men who want equality and who reject, like us, the culture of discrimination.
On the 8th of March, let us remember all those women who through thick and thin stand up: stand up against their employers, against stereotypes, against models inherited from the past. Women who dare to shout for equality and justice. Women who dare to claim their place in the world.
Long live the 8th of March! Long live women!
Long live men, women, and everyone who fights for a world of equals, without discrimination or exclusion!
Adriana Rosenzvaig
Regional Secretary
UNI Americas