Advocacy and Information Officer for Women Working Worldwide
I have worked with the CCC since joining the ITGLWF–Africa Region in 2001. I felt privileged to build on my own experience of working with women over many years in South Africa. Women workers work hard, long hours in unhealthy conditions. Yet their earnings cannot provide them with basic needs. Instead they are sexually, physically and verbally abused. The work environment is harsh and alienating.

Women workers are said to constitute 80% of the workforce in EPZs [Export Processing Zones]. It is no coincidence that this feminisation of work is about cost cutting, and women have been made a key component of a super exploitative system. They bear a disproportionate burden, are less valued, and are accorded little more respect than the machines they operate.

CCC therefore needs to strengthen its gender focus in all aspects. Gender policies must be developed to strengthen the battle against gender discrimination. Understanding the role of gender in the struggle for women workers will bring all workers closer and, crucially, make them stronger. The marginalisation of women should be addressed, through inclusive and participatory action, based on a true gender consciousness.

Women need to be supported in their journey to realise their voices to speak out for themselves. The end result will be women workers gathering their strength, empowering themselves. Such strength and empowerment is in itself the source of future victories.