25 November activities by ITF affiliates
Argentina: Following up on activities carried out in September regarding family conflicts, the AAA will distribute material regarding the case of the Argentina cabin crew Patricia Bengtsson who lost custody of her daughter because a judge believed her job with the airline made her an unfit mother. The materials are designed to make the public opinion.
Burkina Faso: On 25 November women will be marking the day by wearing white ribbons, the Syndicat unique de la Météorologie de l'Aviation civile et Assimilés (SUMAC) has also organised an public rally on violence against women facilitated by human rights governmental representatives.
Bulgaria: The Union of Transport Workers’ Syndicates plans to hold several workplace meetings.
Egypt: The General Trade Union of Railway Workers plans to hold a seminar on the 25 November, where the Secretary of Women’s Affairs from the Egyptian Trade Union Federation will assist in informing on protection of women in the workplace.
France:The FGTE-CFDT, together with the National Association for women's rights, has called for a demonstration in front of the Père Lachaise Cemetery to mark the day, in Paris on 25 November at 18.30 . The aim is to raise awareness regarding violence committed against women, from various daily brutalities to crimes of passion and rape. The union believes that this violence reflects the current climate of gender relations and states that in France, today, these acts of violence are viewed as trivial news and not as a real societal problem. Statistics are alarming 1 woman out of 10 is suffering domestic violence: 29 women were killed during the summer of 2004.
Guyana: The Guyana Labour Union will hold a one-day seminar in order to equip women to recognise violence and to adopt preventative measure. The seminar will cover topics such as sexual harassment in the workplace, domestic violence against women, self-awareness and building self-esteem and the impact of domestic violence in society.
Kenya: The Kenya Railway Workers’ Union is also planning activities including meetings, rallies, distribution of informative materials on gender equality.
Indonesia: The KPI will be marking the day and campaigning and marching for maternity protection for women workers. Approximately 200 delegates are expected to attend.
Mongolia: On 23 November 2005 the Mongolian Transport, Communication & Petroleum Workers' Union held a seminar and discussions on the elimination of the violence against women with the head of the National Centre against Violence. These discussions also involved lawyers and 40 activists. Materials related to the day were published in the union paper on 20 November 2005 with a questionnaire on violence. Feedback from the questionnaire will be discussed with the trade union and non-governmental organisations for women, who have pointed out the importance of including articles on protective measures regarding violence against women at workplaces, in employment contracts and collective agreements.
The union has also organising several activities including discussion and seminars due to take place in all transport and communications sectors over the course of November, December 2005 and January and February 2006.
Norway: The Norwegian Transport Workers’ Federation 23 October participating in a nation wide campaign in October. 90,000 people collected 137 million Norwegian Kroner, all proceeds went to organisations fighting violence against women in developing countries.
Papua New Guinea: The PNG Maritime Workers’ Industrial Union have planned a march, press conference and a play to mark the day.
Peru: The women’s structure of ITF affiliate, FETTRAMAP has organised a seminar/workshop on 25 November 2005 for workers’ wives and daughters, where the following themes will be discussed: violence against women, self-esteem, organising, and job creation.
Thailand: The ITF Coordinating Committee comprising 10 ITF affiliated unions has organised a seminar from 24-25 November regarding violence, harassment and human rights.
Uganda: Due to political unrest, the Ugandan Railway Workers' Union has postponed activities until the 3rd December 2005. Activities planned include, a seminar with a lecture by experts on the 'Elimination of Violence against Women', additionally t-shirts have been ordered with the financial assistance from the employer.
Zimbabwe: ZARU, the ITF railways affiliate is planning activities to mark the day including HIV/aids awareness, protection for girls and young working women.
