Project: Using an intersectional analysis to promote inclusion in the World of Work

LRS

5 years ago
5 years ago

Using an intersectional analysis to promote inclusion in the World of Work

Creating safe and inclusive trade unions and workplaces free of homophobia

The alarming rise in murders of self-identifying lesbians in South Africa highlights the ongoing struggles LGBTI+ individuals face in the workplace and trade unions. Despite laws and commitments to protect LGBTI+ workers, discrimination and harassment persist due to entrenched heteronormative attitudes among colleagues and employers.

While progressive legislation offers some protection, many LGBTI+ workers still experience bias based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. To strengthen inclusion, union gender coordinators and activists need resources and strategies. The LRS supports gender coordinators and activists to develop knowledge and approaches for ending homophobia and discrimination in the world of work.

Working with an intersectional approach, we can see how people’s social identities overlap and create compounded experiences of discrimination. Trade unions, as defenders of human rights, play a crucial role in addressing these intersecting forms of discrimination based on class, gender, race, sexuality, disability, age, etc, and how they deepen the inequalities workers experience.

The following resources are essential reading for trade unions and workers committed to promoting inclusion in the world of work:

Views of our project partners

"The Other Foundation is delighted to be supporting LRS in the creation of spaces for trade unions and their LGBTI members to discuss diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Advancing LGBTI+ rights needs to be prioritised in our society".

"ILO Convention 190 articulates the rights of all workers to be free from discrimination, violence and harassment in the world of work. Now is the time to demand real change. Trade union education programmes on LGBTI rights need to focus on changing hearts and minds."

"Homophobia limits the participation of LGBTQI people in trade union activities and has an impact on the recruitment efforts of this group of workers. Raising awareness of LGBTQI rights needs to be prioritised at all levels of our organisations".

"We are invited to apply Christian principles about injustice, violence, oppression and exclusion to LGBTI activism. Faith-based organisations need to amplify the message of inclusion and equality in society."

"FEDUSA's relentless pursuit of inclusion and diversity in the world of work inspires our affiliates to act to end homophobia and ensure equity bargaining."

"Workers who are LGBTI+ will not be able to thrive if they are denied their human rights. I'm proud to be a member of a union that works to ensure that the workplace is safe and free from homophobia."