TellZim Reporter
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has urged government to ensure equality between men and women prevails at most work places as that will ensure women empowerment.
In a speech read on behalf of ZCTU president Florence Taruvinga by Women Advisory Council Treasurer Pertunia Mangoti on March 11 at ZCTU Southern region boardroom during commemoration of International Women’s Day, the labour movement called for incorporation of women interests promotion.
“ZCTU calls for a more equal society that empowers, protects and promotes the rights and interests of women, children and youth as well as people with disabilities.
“We also demand that government enforce the rights of all women including those working in digital spaces and ensure a culture of zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence including Cyber violence for a workplace free from violence and harassment,” said Mangoti.
The labour movement also demanded a new social contract which they say should entail and prioritize equality, inclusion, peace and democracy.
Mangoti said government should also preside over a shift from systems that propagate marginalization of women found in different spheres of life.
“Women have for long been marginalized and systematically excluded from accessing trainings and skills to enable them to function in this new digital society and economy.
“Majority of women are found in informal sector, domestic, agriculture and the forgotten mothers at home who are burdened by care work. All these women have been denied access to ICT and have been left behind. Those women who have been brave enough to venture into digital space have faced a lot of challenges that have created more inequalities,” added Mangoti.
ZCTU also identified a number of challenges among them sexual harassment, GBV, occupational hazards, unfair labour practices, denial of right to organize and collective bargaining as some of the major challenges government should address on for the benefit of workers in Zimbabwe.
