Women Rising Together
26. August 2023UNI Women's Conference champions intersectional fight for rights
Philadelphia, a city steeped in history, played host to the 6th UNI Global Union World Women’s Conference - a monumental gathering that united leaders from the trade union movement, women’s rights advocates and champions of racial justice. The theme was clear: women are rising together to struggle for workers' rights, women's rights and civil rights.
Women Rising Together in Philadelphia for a fairer future
Kicking off the conference, Michelle Kessler of UFCW (USA) declared, "This city of brotherly and sisterly affection is a union town," echoing Philadelphia's labour legacy and inspiring a fairer future.
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, emphasized the interconnected nature of these battles, stating, "The fights for union rights, women’s rights and racial justice are inextricably linked. The work of UNI Women is an essential part of that struggle.”
Powerful voices from all over the world underlined the importance of gender equality in the workplace. Patricia Nyman, UNI World Women President, rallied and called for women worldwide to "Rise for our rights, freedoms, achievements, the voiceless, equality and women. Viva UNI, viva!"
Veronica Fernandez Mendez, Head of UNI Equal Opportunities, echoed the sentiment of many in the room when she called for the conference to “draw strength from the collective power we possess, knowing we are not alone."
The Conference also endorsed an urgent solidarity statement to denounce the shameful behaviour of Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales at last week's Women's World Cup final and calls for an immediate end to aggression and the removal of those responsible.
Words from the new UNI World Women’s President Carol Scheffer from CWU Ireland
“Irish women understand struggle but that is an understanding every woman in this hall knows. In all our countries the women who have come before us have laid the foundation upon which we build our solidarity, and it is now for us to carry on their legacy. Women united are an unstoppable force.”