In 2025, the Clerical & Commercial Workers Union celebrated International Women’s Day as women worldwide united to march for social and economic autonomy. The 4th Global Action of the World March of Women brings together activists from every continent, united in their demands for a sustainable and caring economy, social justice, peace, and democracy.
Thirty years ago, governments adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which marks its 30th anniversary this year. It serves as a groundbreaking roadmap for governments, civil society, trade unions, and private sector actors to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
The Trade Union Movement has recognised 8th March as International Working Women’s Day under the theme “Empowering women in the economy across generations.”
The world faces multiple crises, from geopolitical conflicts to rising poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed through solutions that empower women. Investing in women can ignite change and accelerate the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equitable world for all.
On the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the challenges remain stark:
- On average, women’s trade union membership is 40 per cent, yet they occupy only 15 per cent of top decision-making positions in their organisations.
- Women’s labour force participation rates stagnate at 26 percentage points lower than men’s.
- Women predominantly occupy informal, low-quality, precarious, and undervalued jobs.
- Women’s average wages are between 4 and 36 per cent lower than men’s.
- Gender-based violence remains an unacceptably tolerated aspect of the workplace, with no comprehensive international legal standard to outlaw it.
The long shadow of austerity continues to heavily impact women, as it eliminates jobs in sectors where women have traditionally been employed, reduces public services that women depend on more than men, and amplifies their already disproportionate share of care responsibilities. Women living in poverty are particularly vulnerable to economic policies that redistribute wealth away from the 99% to the 1%. Simultaneously, their labour sustains global and local economies by providing care services that governments refuse to fund.
On 8th March 2025, the CCWU will call upon governments, policymakers, and businesses to adopt an economic agenda for women. This agenda includes a jobs and growth plan to enhance women’s access to decent work. It is designed to tackle structural barriers to effective participation in the labour force by women, including adequate investment in care provision, the creation of decent care jobs for both women and men, family-friendly workplaces, and environments free from violence. The agenda aims to lift women and families out of poverty and provide a sustainable growth model.
Violence against women is a significant issue worldwide, particularly in Guyana. Domestic violence leads to both physical and mental health issues for all those affected. Tragically, this violence hinders women from enjoying their fundamental rights to work, to raise a family, and to live a long, healthy life free from fear.
We often hear discussions about gender equality, asserting that women should possess equal rights to men. We are aware of troubling statistics concerning women’s health and well-being, including maternal mortality. So, what can be done to improve women’s lives so they can enjoy the same rights as men? Men must play a vital role in achieving gender equality; they should be part of the solution. Men require role models who teach them effective leadership and problem-solving skills while treating women respectfully. Both men and women must collaborate without resorting to violence.
Today also serves as a moment to keep women’s issues in the spotlight because, despite all their achievements, women still do not enjoy the same rights as men. They remain more likely to suffer from HIV/AIDS and the impacts of climate change, live in poverty, and experience gender-based violence.
Let us transform that into a global act of solidarity and collective hope, breaking through barriers.
