THE Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has placed 11 demands, which must be met by the government, as a matter of urgency, in respect of women’s rights in the country.
In her keynote speech to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day, ZCTU president, Florence Taruvinga said the occasion is of paramount importance as it gives the opportunity to take stock of achievements made so far.
The labour movement called on the government and the rest of the world to accelerate initiatives on achieving gender parity.
The ZCTU commemorated the event under the theme, “Empower Women and Girls for Economic Success: The Key To A Stronger Future.
“In Zimbabwe empowered women can also help reduce poverty, increase economic growth and promote our sustainability as a nation.
Therefore, on behalf of the working women, the ZCTU demands the following from our government: Invest in women through economic empowerment and ICT skills, gender responsive national budgeting that prioritises gender equality and inclusion and enforce rights of all women, including those working in vulnerable sectors and in digital spaces,” she said.
ZCTU called for enforcement of a culture of zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence (GBV), including cyber violence for a violence free workplace, ratification and enforcement of (lnternational Labor Organisation) ILO Convention 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work, national awareness and rehabilitation programmes for abused women and girls.
The ZCTU also demanded free sanitary ware for women and girls; one day off per month for all women during menstruation period, respect and enforcement of human and trade union rights and an end to child abuses, child marriages and drug abuse.
Added Taruvinga , “The ZCTU demands a new social contract that prioritises equality, inclusion, peace and democracy.”
SOURCE : NEW ZIMBABWE
