International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide, marking women’s progress and achievements. The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), and the STUC Women’s Committee, is proud to stand alongside all those women internationally fighting for justice and equality.
Elaine Dougall, Chair of the STUC Women’s Committee said
“It is completely unacceptable that 70 % of the world’s poor (those living on less than a dollar a day) are women. Women worldwide are denied opportunities needed to improve their economic and social condition, whilst assuming primary responsibility for care of children, the elderly and the sick.
“International Women’s Day must remind us to value women’s skills and experience, and to invest properly in the services on which our families depend”
STUC Assistant Secretary Ann Henderson said “We are glad to celebrate women’s achievements, here and across the world – but we must also speak up for those who are not being heard.
“Recently the STUC Women’s Committee met with Hind el Arabi, the UN Women’s Programme Officer from Gaza, Against all the odds, women try to secure employment, food, and a home for their families. We heard of the trade blockade, the collapsing infrastructure, and the isolation of the communities in Gaza. For those women and their families, we call for an end to the blockade – on International Women’s Day 2010, we say the women of Gaza must be given the right to live with dignity, opportunities, and free from fear”
ENDS For further information contact Ann Henderson 0141 337 8100
