In South Africa, there is a very proud tradition of strong, principled trade unions especially at standing up for not only for Workers Rights, but Human Rights in general and particularly for Women’s Rights.
As Nelson Mandela once famously said “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression”.
White Ribbon South Africa see it as vital and appropriate that unions of all types engage actively in promoting the White Ribbon message as part of their remit to stand up for workers’ rights.
Much as everyone dearly dearly would wish it to be otherwise, there‘s a persistent male-dominated inequality in how women are treated in the workplace; sexism, bullying and abuse of women are worryingly prevalent. So supported by the Joe Slovo Foundation, WhiteRibbon.Org.ZA is calling upon Trade Unionists to take a stand, and to change workplaces for the better.
We believe that Trade Unionists can lead by example and demonstrate solidarity, awareness and respect to their female colleagues.
What you can do
Ensure there are procedures in place with employers that apply to women experiencing violence, bullying and harassment. These should include clear signposting for prevention, help, special leave arrangements and a confidentiality clause.
How we can help
Supported by the Joe Slovo Foundation, WhiteRibbon.Org.Za can provide trade union branch training and literature on White Ribbon campaigning. An information pack is available with fact-sheets and guidance for trade unions, along with awareness raising materials.
Apply for accreditation and for the Information Pack
Contact Info@WhiteRibbon.org.Za for information on how your trade union branch, region or national body can become White Ribbon accredited, and encourage Union members to become White Ribbon Ambassadors
Applying for trade union accreditation with White Ribbon UK is also as easy. Just click on the button below and fill in the Expression of Interest Form. An automatic response will be emailed to you and in a couple of days time an Ambassador from White Ribbon South Africa will make contact and send you an action plan to fill in and e-mail it back to us.
