Hope will never be silent, declares NUM National Women Structure as commemorating 16 days of activism against women and children

Media Statement, 25 November 2024

The NUM National Women Structure convened its two days LGBTQIA+ & C190 workshop aimed at empowering women workers from various workplaces. The workshop took place from the 12^th to 13^th November 2024, under the theme “ HOPE WILL NEVER BE SILENT’.

Trade unions played a critical role in terms of fighting gender based discrimination by empowering women, affording them an opportunity to freely express themselves on issues talking to them. There is a need to create a safe space for women to be able to express themselves freely.

As the NUM Women Structure, we need to ensure that LGBTQI+ is included in each and every policy making processes.

The workshop took place the same time as the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) held its 31^st World Conference in Cape Town. The ILGA conference was hosted by the local human rights organisations, Iranti and Gender DynamiX. Most of the COSATU affiliated trade unions participated.

The purpose for the  workshop was  to recognise  the LGBTQIA+ community and also to empower the National Women Structure executive committee so that as the structure, women should have a clear understanding and contribute towards the setting  out  proper  minimum standards for protecting workers from all forms of  discrimination, homophobia and transphobia .

 As a trade union we have a responsibility to protect and advance the rights to equality by all members, through collective bargaining strategies, using inclusive language in all communications, increase the visibility  and support  workers who openly identify themselves, assessing structures to review policies, practices, procedures and work environments, and to create a workplace profile that identifies places of discrimination and to monitor  the process for effectiveness.

Anyone can be victim of violence and sexual harassment, including those who do not conform to gender norms or traditional societal expectations based on example LGBTIQA+ persons. 

Nobody is immune to violence and harassment in the work place. This is a daily reality for most of the workers across the regions, and it has a negative effect on individuals and society as a whole.

Gender-Based Violence and Harassment is the most widespread form of violence and harassment in the workplace, it affects women excessively, because we fall within the vulnerable group.

COMMEMORATION OF 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

As the NUM Women Structure Executive Committee, we have resolved that commemorating 16 Days of Activism Against Abuse of Women and Children in both community level and the world of work is pivotal.

The NUM Women Structure’ aimed at eradicating all forms of abuse to 0%. In 2019 the structure pledged to 0% to Gender Based Violence and that the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children should be commemorating throughout the 365 days in a calendar year. The GBV statistics are increasing on a daily basis and as a structure we will engage the government in ensuring implementation of safety of everyone regardless of their gender.

We are urging the government to bring in a harsher sentences to all perpetrators, register them in the offenders register with no opportunity for parole. We are also advocating for the bring back death penalty campaign. 

The Women Structure would be commemorating this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children in Matlosana.

THE SCORGE OF FOOD POISONING IN THE COUNTRY:

As the NUM Women Structure, we are deeply concern as many of our school children are dying as a result of food poisoning, either at school or local spas shops, mostly owned by illegal foreign nationals.

We have noted with disappointments the slow pace or no action taken against those selling illegal and/ or expired food to our communities.

The government needs to pay much focus on those who are behind the manufacturing of poisoned food.  We demand proper regulations and monitoring of the country’s wholesalers, distributors and proper registrations of local spaza shops.

SYKED WELLNESS SUPPORT AND COUNSELLING SERVICES:

Lastly, the NUM National Women Structure encourages all members and their families to utilise the Syked’s free wellness support and counselling services.

If you feel sexually harassed, depressed, experienced Gender-Based Violence, please contact Syked on:

WhatsApp number: 010 74600844

Office Line: 010 746 0844

Email: support@syked.co.za

GBV Hotline(24hours): 010 746 3755

For more detailed information, please contact:

Mathapelo Khanye, NUM Women Structure National Secretary,  082 561 2010

The National Union of Mineworkers
7 Rissik Street.
Cnr Frederick Johannesburg
Tel: 011 377 2111 Cell: 083 809 3257
Twitter: @Num_Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NUM/10086002340216