There are half a million ITF women out there – and there should be many more. Of course, there should be many more ITF men, too, and many more ITF young people. To represent the workforce of tomorrow, transport unions have to change now.

One of the ways they have to change is by removing barriers that exist between workers of different races and cultures, between men and women, young and old, contract worker and permanent employee.

On 8 March, International Women’s Day, it is gender barriers we address. On average, 80 ITF unions participate in demonstrations and seminars on this day each year. Their actions have converted some, including those who once believed there weren’t enough women in the transport industry to justify work on gender issues. They have activised others – women have joined in, and then stayed involved in the union.

"In the end, women and men want the same things - decent work and fair treatment"

However, the event has not lessened some of the deeper issues that divide us. As we were reminded by Kate Matlou of the South African union Satawu at Congress, there is a power struggle in the union movement. Some union leaders feel threatened by the idea that women want to take over. Some women, who start on the path to leadership, hit opposition from colleagues and feel resentful. This dynamic chips away at political commitment. The importance of coming together to challenge it on 8 March cannot be underestimated. We must also, however, see this commitment translated into collective bargaining gains and legislative changes. And that means action by men and by women transport workers.

Hours, leave, pay, healthy working conditions: these are the things that make a difference to women transport workers’ lives. Each issue has its gender aspects, which are of utmost importance, but in the end, women and men want the same things – decent work and fair treatment. What affects men affects women, and vice versa. Even so, we allow divisions to continue, and all the time, women and men are abused at work, incomes are uncertain, and families suffer.

Since 2002, the ITF has marked 25 November –the UN day for the elimination of violence against women. When discussing violence and harassment in transport, it is impossible to avoid the fact that some of the perpetrators are other union members. During one discussion on HIV and AIDS, women in the room became angered by the concept of the feminisation of AIDS, retorting that it was male behaviour that causes the problem. When women discuss these issues as trade unionists, it must not be because they want to accuse their colleagues – but because they need their support to oppose patriarchal attitudes.

As trade unionists and transport workers, ITF women and men must take gender issues seriously. It is a question of union democracy, and it is a question of union survival. This work can strengthen efforts to reach other groups not currently unionised, including young people. It is work that is out of the comfort zone of some of ITF affiliates; but it is also a central aspect of “organising globally”