The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has made significant strides in promoting equity in the workplace. As a union that values fairness and equality, GAWU has prioritized negotiating for equitable gains for all workers, regardless of gender or background. In addition, GAWU has invested resources in increasing the representation of women at all levels of the union and providing support for women to take on leadership roles in their workplaces. These efforts have helped to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all workers and demonstrate GAWU’s commitment to advancing equity and empowering its members.
It’s important to remember the story behind International Women’s Day (IWD), which originated from the struggles of women workers in the United States. These brave women organised themselves to demand better working conditions, fairer pay, and voting rights, all while fighting against gender inequality and women’s oppression. Their experiences helped us understand how closely linked economic and political rights are, and how the concerns of working people are shared by women and men across the world.
This day gained prominence when socialist women workers recognised it as a day of action to rally against the First World War. On March 8, 1917, a strike of working women in Russia protested against the killing of 2 million soldiers in the war. This strike provided a significant impetus for the history-making Russian Revolution, which resulted in the birth of the first socialist country in the annals of civilisation.
IWD serves as a reminder of the struggles and resistance that women have faced across the globe. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the numerous achievements that women have attained. The fight for gender equality is ongoing, and the GAWU is committed to challenging workplace inequality and discrimination through representation and collective strength.
The United Nations has chosen “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” as the theme for IWD 2024. This call to action urges governments and corporations worldwide to tackle the gender disparities that continue to be one of the biggest human rights issues. Women still face deep-rooted inequalities, including unequal participation in the workforce, a persistent gender wage gap, overrepresentation in the informal sector, and workplace harassment. Moreover, decades of progress towards gender equality, including fair participation in the workplace, economic and political empowerment, and access to education, are being undermined by authoritarian regimes.
On this year’s International Women’s Day celebration, the GAWU extends heartfelt greetings to the women of Guyana, its women members, and all the women across the world who are at the forefront of advancing the cause of women for overall social progress and peace. Your unwavering commitment to the cause of women is an inspiration to us all.
