08 March 2025
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) joins the global community in observing International Women’s Day under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
On this International Women’s Day, FEDUSA stands in solidarity with women across South Africa and around the world. We recognize the tireless contributions of women in every sector, from the heart of our provinces to the global stage, women continue to lead, innovate, and inspire in workplaces, communities, and homes.
As a federation, we are committed to advancing gender equality by ensuring that women’s rights are protected and guaranteed, through advocacy, empowerment, implementation and monitoring and evaluation. FEDUSA firmly believes that true equality is only possible when women have equal access to opportunities, equal pay, and a safe, supportive environment free from discrimination and violence.
Through our progressive constitution and Social Justice and Gender Policy, FEDUSA promotes inclusivity and diversity, to ensure that women, men and persons with disabilities are placed on an equal footing, to address historical inequalities and minimise and eliminate future disadvantage. We actively support initiatives that seek to eliminate barriers for women and promote inclusivity in decision-making roles, wage parity, and fair labour practices. FEDUSA continues to advocate for policies and programs that uplift women in the workplace, enhance their access to leadership roles, and foster a society where all women and girls can thrive without fear of discrimination or oppression.
Our commitment extends to critical social issues, including the elimination of workplace violence and harassment, championing gender equality, and securing LGBTQI+ rights. FEDUSA actively supports the implementation of Convention 190 (C190) of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which recognizes the right of every worker to be free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.
Amplifying the ITUC “Campaign For Democracy that Delivers”, “it is important that unions stand as a model for democracies that deliver for women workers, in all their diversity.” FEDUSA unconditionally supports the campaign and will continue to actively advance on the ITUC’s targets for women’s representation in leadership positions to ensure that a 50 – 50 gender representation is realised by the 2027 World Congress. FEDUSA is committed to aligning with these goals, ensuring that women are adequately represented in leadership roles within the federation and the broader labour movement.
As ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo stated: “Some 708 million women are outside of the labour force because they need to attend to domestic chores and family responsibilities, even though they would like to work for pay. For economies and societies to thrive, women must have equal rights and opportunities to participate in the social, economic, and political life of their countries. Social justice demands nothing less. Women’s rights are human rights, and all women are working women. Paid or unpaid, women’s work is essential and must be duly recognized and valued.”
On this International Women’s Day, FEDUSA reaffirms its dedication to creating a future where every woman is treated with the dignity, respect, and opportunities she deserves. Together, we can build a more just, equal, and empowered society for all women and girls.
END