UNI World Women’s Conference unites against gender inequality
The 4th UNI World Women’s Conference drew to a close yesterday in Cape Town after an immensely successful conference. Hundreds of women assembled in Cape Town to discuss the fight for fairer and more equal society. Featuring an array of vibrant musical and dance performances and impassioned speakers, the Conference saw Denise Mcguire re-elected as the President of UNI Equal Opportunities and passed all five motions unanimously.
Day two included powerful and personal speeches from Deputy General Secretary of UNI Christy Hoffman, and Annie Hill of the CWU, who told the conference about their experiences of being a woman in the labour movement.
Among the topics up for discussion across two days were the global gender wage disparity, health, equal societies and equal pay, as well as domestic and workplace violence.
Head of UNI Equal Opportunities Veronica Fernandez welcomed delegates with a call to action. "For 4 years we have not stopped working to eliminate discrimination, gender wage gaps and gender inequality."
“Women across the world - join hands and stand up for fair and just societies. It is time for women to take up their rightful positions in the workplace, to enjoy equal pay and to live with freedom from fear.”
UNI Global Union's General Secretary Philip Jennings took to the stage to tell the Women's Conference "You are the rock hard foundation of our struggle!”
President of UNI Equal Opportunities Denise Mcguire made an interesting entrance before addressing the Women's Conference to say "Women around the world must stand up for equal pay, we must unite to solve the institutionalisation of the gender pay gap!"
Vice-President of UNI Global Union Ann Selin told the Conference “Women must have freedom from fear, and cannot feel intimidated at their workplace!”
There was a rousing opening speech from SACCAWU President Louise Thipe.
Pat O'Neill, President of UNI Commerce called for "an inclusive and cooperative solution to gender inequality" that included both men and women.
An impressive engagement on social media (including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook) using #4UNIWomen and #UNI2014 was displayed on the large screen of the CTICC.
The Conference opened with some great performances from local South African singers, dancers and actors.
The first day of the Women's Conference drew to a close with a spontaneous song and dance from affiliates from all around the world.
Download key documents and find out more by visiting the 4th UNI World Women’s Conference at http://www.4thuniworldwomensconference.org
Share your opinions, photos and experiences of the Women’s Conference and the World Congress with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #4UNIWomen and #UNI2014!