News

After a spectacular display of women unionists from around the world singing and dancing came to an end, so did the 4th UNI World Women's Conference in Cape Town.

For two days more than 500 women from trade unions around the world made Cape Town their home.

The Opening Ceremony, which took place in the morning of the first day, was a display of the vast cultural richness of South Africa. It was also a reminder, through the voice of the women on stage, of the many obstacles women still face at the workplace and why it is so important to focus on their issues.

The ceremony was followed by the intervention of Philip Jennings, General Secretary of UNI Global Union; Louise Thipe, President of SACCAWU; and Ann Selin, from PAM, future President of UNI Global Union.

For the first round of discussions, the participants discussed the strategic priorities for the UNI Equal Opportunities Department for the next four years, which include, amongst other things, organization of women into unions, increasing gender mainstreaming in unions and lobbying international organizations and governments for a more equal and just society. The motion was adopted unanimously by the participants. It was then followed by the motion on Equal Society which was also adopted unanimously by the participants.

The discussions on the second day of the Conference were accompanied by heartfelt stories from many brave women unionists who courageously took the podium to share with the world their own personal experiences and how these molded their views on topics like Equal Pay, Women and Health and Violence Against Women. All motions were adopted unanimously.

To conclude the Conference, the names of the members of the World Women's Committee were ratified and Denise McGuire, from Prospect UK, was re-elected as President of the World Women's Committee.

Two amazing days of work, of building networks and friendships are now behind and four more years await until Liverpool 2018. Masakhane!