The IYCW Vows to Continue Its Work For Women's Rights

The IYCW is calling on all national movements around the world to join in the centenary celebrations of the International Women’s Day. They proclaim it as an opportunity not only to celebrate women’s lives and achievements, but also to join hands in solidarity with women around the globe and to focus on the many problems women face today.

The YCW is passionate about the importance of solidarity in its struggle for women’s rights.

‘We must stand together in our fight for equal rights for all,’ said Geethani Peries, the YCW International President. ‘There is still much to be done. We know from the experiences of our members that women make up the majority of those living in poverty, that there is still inequality in salaries and conditions, and that millions of women have died needlessly due to a lack of safe working and living conditions. We also know that today, in spite of the efforts of many people, there remains a worldwide epidemic of violence against women.’

The YCW is urging its members worldwide to celebrate IWD and to raise awareness of YCW’s own achievements in its fight for justice and equality. Across all continents, young people have struggled and endured hardship to attain greater justice for young women. But its leaders admit there is still much to be done. They are encouraging their members to review their achievements, so that they can plan very deliberately to build awareness of women’s rights and to take action that will empower women to achieve greater equality and participate more fully in action for social justice.

The YCW is proud of its efforts in the past twelve months to achieve greater equality for women. Noelia Samudio, a 28 year-old domestic worker from Paraguay, represented the IYCW at the 99^th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva in 2010. Her intervention in the Domestic Workers Committee focussed the attention of governments, trade unions and employers on the YCW demands for improved conditions for young domestic workers. Her 12 years’ experience as a domestic worker gave credibility to her intervention.

‘I was really nervous when I presented the intervention, but now I feel confident and motivated to speak up for our rights’, said Noelia. ‘I spoke on behalf of my colleagues and all domestic workers in this world. I will continue this struggle with the YCW to change our reality.’

Other young YCW workers continue to fight for young workers’ rights, and to campaign for social protection. Gender equality is playing a major role in the YCW Social Protection Campaign. Zenaida Cagod, a 30 year-old Filipino domestic worker in Hong Kong, is one of many domestic workers in this campaign.

‘I struggle a lot, and my work is very challenging. I have patience and self-control in my work but sometimes I find it hard to control myself and tolerate my employers’ attitude, especially when they have tantrums. I always keep my faith in God, and I know that one day I will achieve my dream. As a domestic worker, being far away from family is very hard, but God is always there abiding with me at all times.'

As a young woman worker, Geethani Peries has a particular passion for the rights of women for decent work and decent life, and she encourages all young workers from around the world to join in the YCW campaign.

‘Let us build our movement with a clear vision towards gender equality. It is critical to bring this perspective to every situation – from our base groups to communities and to the masses of young workers. Equality is a right for every man and woman, and we are committed to bringing an end to discrimination and isolation.’

‘The recent events in Egypt and Tunisia show us clearly that Change is possible. Small beginnings can end with major change. When the young workers of Tunisia and Egypt took those first steps forward, they demonstrated to the world the power of solidarity. We could see Egyptian and Tunisian women assume leadership as they came out of their homes to fight for justice. This is a model for each one of us.’

As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

Geethani Peries

IYCW President