Tag: gender equality

“Men in hard hats” industrial policy limits women

We must move beyond talk and take action to improve women’s participation in industrial policy and the economy.

Women’s Day through the eyes of Volunteer Food Handlers

by Nelly Nyagah care work / gender equality / National School Nutrition Programme / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers / women's month

The undervaluation of care work is used to justify precarious employment for women workers in the National School Nutrition Programme.

4 months ago

The invisible struggles of women leaders

by Nina Benjamin care work / gender equality / transformative women's leadership / women's month

We advocate for transformative leadership to tackle systemic biases and entrenched masculine norms that marginalise women leaders.

4 months ago

Women in Trade: Can the AfCFTA ensure empowerment and equality?

by Dr Hod Anyigba afCFTA / African continental free trade area / cross-border trade / gender equality / informal economy / Protocol on women and youth in trade / women in trade

Labour protocols that ensure inclusion and equity help distribute trade benefits fairly.

5 months ago

Women in the Just Transition: Risks and opportunities

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg climate change / climate justice / gender equality / green collective bargaining / green jobs / just transition / women in energy

The transition to a greener and cleaner economy cannot be ‘just’ without ensuring that women are included in the process.

9 months ago

What workers know, think, and feel about the AfCFTA

by ALREI afCFTA / collective bargaining / economic development / gender equality / informal economy / job displacement / sustainable development goals / trade barriers

A recent study recommends actions trade unions can take to engage workers in decent work campaigns under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

1 year ago

Equipping young women in the world of work

by LRS decent work / employment contract / gender equality / labour laws / young women workers

Young women workers are empowered in the world of work when they know and understand their rights and responsibilities.

1 year ago

Creating a world of work free of gender-based violence

by Nina Benjamin feminist popular education / gender based violence / gender equality / impact / violence and discrimination

Unions tackle GBVH with different approaches across domestic work, public health, education, garment manufacturing, and retail sectors.

1 year ago

How parental social protection falls short for mothers

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg discrimination / domestic workers / gender equality / informal workers / maternity protection / social protection / UIF

Women are less likely to benefit from contributory schemes such as UIF and COIDA if they are linked to formal employment.

1 year ago

Women’s human rights in the informal sector

by LRS discrimination / gender based violence / gender equality / informalisation / national minimum wage / precarious employment / social protection

This Women’s Month, we advocate for better protection of women’s rights, especially in the informal sector, and celebrate trade unions that are working to improve the lives of many.

1 year ago

How to approach the equity bargaining process

by LRS conditions at work / discrimination / equity bargaining / gender equality / gender mainstreaming / Negotiator's Guide

Equity bargaining is about ensuring that collective bargaining promotes equity in the workplace. Here’s how the union negotiator should approach equity bargaining.

1 year ago

Walking Alongside: A practice to transform unequal power relations

by Nina Benjamin feminist popular education / gender action learning / gender equality / organisational development

An LRS facilitator reflects on her work with Africa’s science granting councils to promote gender transformation in science, technology and innovation.

1 year ago

Resources for facilitators and trainers

by LRS feminist pedagogy / gender equality / women's leadership development

Exercises and games stimulate the senses and help us to learn new concepts and ideas creatively. Access our facilitation exercises for use in participatory education.

2 years ago

Gender equality: What it is and how to achieve it

by LRS care work / gender equality / gender equity / gender mainstreaming / inclusion and diversity

Learn what creating a culture of gender equality means for the Labour Research Service.

2 years ago

Ten articles to read in August

by Nelly Nyagah conditions at work / decent work / gender based violence / gender equality

August is women’s month in South Africa, a time when gender equality and women’s empowerment take centre stage. The Labour Research Service stands with worker organisations that work tirelessly to advance women’s right to decent work.

2 years ago

Five trade union demands for mainstreaming gender in trade agreements

by Marie Daniel afCFTA / gender equality / gender mainstreaming / regional integration / trade

More action is needed to achieve equity, equality, non-discrimination and women empowerment in trade agreements. Here are five trade union demands for mainstreaming gender in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

3 years ago

The Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to negotiating in a changing workplace

by LRS bargain / collective bargaining / future of work / gender equality / labour market / negotiate / Negotiator's Guide / organise / trade union negotiators

The LRS Negotiator’s Guide provides strategies to inspire, organise and represent workers.

3 years ago

Promoting the value of care work for a just and sustainable society

by LRS care work / gender equality / National School Nutrition Programme / precarious employment / volunteer food handlers / women workers / workers’ rights

Advocacy by a group of Volunteer Food Handlers in Gauteng for recognition and rights as workers under the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) can potentially catalyse a national movement and positively impact the lives of the women who cook and serve food to learners.

3 years ago

What will it take to create pathways to women’s economic autonomy, resilience and stability?

by LRS care work / gender equality / organise / Power Up! / precarious employment / voluntary food handlers / women workers / workers’ rights

It’s time to Power Up! We need to build women’s voice and leadership and strengthen women-led movements to shift power and advance the rights of all women.

3 years ago

The role of Volunteer Food Handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme

by Nelly Nyagah care work / gender equality / organise / Power Up! / precarious employment / voluntary food handlers / women workers / workers’ rights

Through discussing issues close to their hearts, volunteer food handlers will see and articulate the important role they have in the National School Nutrition Programme and the school community.

3 years ago

What will it take to create a successful national response to GBV in South Africa?

by LRS femicide / GBV strategies / gender based violence / gender equality / LGBTI rights

The recent crime statistics released by the South African Police Service show Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is devastatingly pervasive. Lindelwe Nxumalo, Women’s Rights Programme Manager at ActionAid, offers some actions for ensuring a successful national response to GBV.

3 years ago

We need more resources and collaboration to tackle GBV

by Zanele Chakela femicide / GBV strategies / gender based violence / gender equality

Nontyatyambo Makapela, Programme Officer at Sister Love International South Africa, reflects on how GBV is a barrier to women’s full participation in the economy and the need for building resilient and sustainable support organisations.

3 years ago

Addressing gender-based violence in the workplace

by LRS equity bargaining / femicide / gender based violence / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / negotiate

When stakeholders act collectively, it is possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in the workplace.

3 years ago

Organising and empowering young women workers

by LRS gender based violence / gender equality / organise / vulnerable workers / women organising strategies / workers’ rights

Our range of resources address the key workplace issues for young women workers and are useful for the union that wants to tap into the creativity and energy that empowered young women members can bring to the organisation.

3 years ago

Bargaining with a gender equity lens – A resource for trade union facilitators and trainers

by LRS collective bargaining agreements / gender equality / gender equity / participatory education / workers' education

Our facilitation exercise will strengthen the ability of workshop participants to understand concepts and have the confidence to bargain with a gender equity lens. Get your copy.

3 years ago

The economic cost of sexual harassment in the workplace

by LRS gender equality / gender pay gap / POPI Act / sexual harassment

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, Johan Botes of Baker McKenzie explores the findings of a new report highlighting the economic costs of sexual harassment and suggests ways in which the situation could be changed.

Gender equity and social dialogue | Facilitation exercise

by LRS facilitation exercises / gender equality / trade unions / women's leadership development / workers' education

Outcome: Strengthen our understanding of social dialogue in creating gender equity.

Women contributing to the economy | Facilitation exercise

by LRS facilitation exercises / gender equality / trade unions / women's leadership development / workers' education

Women feel more confident in participating in political economy discussions.

Bargaining with a gender equity lens | Facilitation exercise

by LRS facilitation exercises / gender equality / trade unions / women's leadership development / workers' education

Outcome: Strengthening our understanding and confidence in bargaining with a gender equity lens.

Trade unions and the struggle for gender justice | Facilitation exercise

by LRS facilitation exercises / gender equality / trade unions / women's leadership development / workers' education

Outcome: Reflection on our organisational policies and practices in relation to creating a gender-equitable trade union.

Women trade union leadership | Facilitation excercise

by LRS facilitation exercises / gender equality / trade unions / women's leadership development / workers' education

Outcome: Participants feel comfortable, supported and confident in participating in the workshop.

3 years ago

How I deal with the pain of others

by Nosipho Twala facilitation exercises / gender based violence / gender equality / methodology / vicarious trauma

As an educator and facilitator in the Gender Equality Programme of Labour Research Service, I am exposed to human trauma often. Here’s my advice on how to be more resilient.

3 years ago

Resources for union facilitators and trainers

by LRS educator / gender equality / participatory education / workers' education

It’s proven that exercises and games activate our senses and increase creative learning of new concepts and understanding of ideas. Our collection of facilitation exercises will help trainers involved in participatory education activities for workers.

4 years ago

A facilitator’s reflection on old methods and new lessons for ending school-related gender-based violence in Africa

by Nina Benjamin education unions / gender equality / peer learning process / school / school related gender based violence

Nina Benjamin, LRS Gender Equality Programme Leader, takes stock of her role supporting teacher trade unions in sub-Saharan Africa to create safe schools.

4 years ago

Online course on creating gender equality in the union and workplace

Online course: creating gender equality in the workplace

by LRS articles / gender / gender equality / worker education

This online course designed by the LRS for the Online Learning Academy of International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA) is for activists who want to facilitate gender equality education programmes.

Bargaining for gender equity

by LRS bargain / collective bargaining support / gender equality / labour rights for women / negotiate

Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace

4 years ago

A step by step approach to collective bargaining for gender equity

by Dr Salomé Teuteberg bargain / collective bargaining support / gender equality / labour rights for women / negotiate / organise

Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace.

4 years ago

7 feminist books to read during August Women’s month

by LRS feminist pedagogy / gender equality / labour / women's month / women's rights

Here’s a collection of my favourite books written by women workers, survivors of gender-based violence, school girls and community activists. The writers’ reflections are powerful and empowering.

4 years ago

ILO Convention 190: a game-changer in ending violence and harassment in the world of work

by Nelly Nyagah gender based violence / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / workplace violence

Participants at FEDUSA’s webinar on gender-based violence urged the government to ratify ILO C190 against violence in the world of work.

4 years ago

Women’s Month 2020: Putting care at the centre of the agenda

by LRS care economy / gender based violence / gender equality / women's month

A conversation with Nina Benjamin, Leader of Gender Equality Programme at the Labour Research Service

5 years ago

June is Pride Month

by LRS gender equality / LGBTI workers rights

Despite the progressive laws, workers who are LGBTI+ continue to experience violence and discrimination.

5 years ago

Covid-19 pandemic: a perfect storm for LGBTI youth

by LRS Coronavirus / covid-19 / gender equality / LGBTI workers rights

With the school closures, reduced support services and a lack of community support, these young South Africans are more vulnerable.

5 years ago

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

by LRS gender equality / homophobia / ILO Convention 190 / inclusion and diversity / LGBTI workers rights

As defenders of human rights, trade unions address the intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities workers experience.

Workplace rights belong to everyone: Addressing homophobia in the workplace

by LRS collective bargaining support / gender equality / homophobia / labour law / LGBTI workers rights

Trade union and civil society activists in South Africa explore practical strategies for ending homophobia.

Sexual orientation draft code: Schools take responsibility to prevent discrimination

by LRS gender equality / homophobia / ILO Convention 190 / LGBTI rights

This booklet provides educators, parents and learners with a basic understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity, with the objective of ending discrimination and prejudice in institutions of learning and society.

5 years ago

Women workers in South Africa and the battle for equality

by Nelly Nyagah gender equality / negotiate / organise / women's leadership development / workers' education

Twenty-five years after Beijing, there’s progress for women workers in South Africa but major challenges remain.

Bargaining Indicators 2019 | Gender Equality Section

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender based violence / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / meadowlands clinic pilot project

Ending violence, discrimination and harassment in the workplace is a union issue.

5 years ago

Six ways to end gender-based violence

by LRS GBVH / gender based violence / gender equality

The root cause of gender-based violence is inequitable gender norms. What can you do to help end GBV?

5 years ago

The fourth industrial revolution risks leaving women behind

by The Conversation care work / fourth industrial revolution / future of work / gender equality

South Africa’s labour market is more favourable to men than to women, and the fourth industrial revolution may widen the gap, writes Dr Rachel Adams, Research Specialist at Human Sciences Research Council.

5 years ago

Ending violence and harassment in the world of work is a union issue

by Nosipho Twala gender based violence / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / workplace violence

Trade unions campaigned for ILO Convention 190 on ending violence and harassment in the world of work. The challenge now is getting the governments to ratify the convention.

5 years ago

Women unionists are learning how to be heard

by Nelly Nyagah gender equality / promoting gender equality in Southern Africa / women's leadership development

UNTU’s Siphiweokuhle Sithole, 31, is among the women unionists fighting to instil cultures of gender equality in workplaces in South Africa.

5 years ago

A band of male comrades united for women

by Nelly Nyagah gender equality / negotiate / women's leadership development / women's rights

FEDUSA’s Babongile Dumani is a male champion supporting the rights of working women in southern Africa.

6 years ago

What will it take to build LGBT inclusive workplaces in South Africa?

by Nina Benjamin gender equality / homophobia / LGBTI rights

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers continue to experience discrimination, harassment and violence. How grave is the issue in South Africa? Learn more…

History of activism on LGBT rights in South Africa

by LRS collective bargaining agreements / gender equality / homophobia / LGBTI workers rights / negotiate

South Africa’s Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Learn how we got here.

6 years ago

Collective bargaining and gender equality in South Africa

by Nosipho Twala collective bargaining agreements / gender equality / ILO Convention 190

What will it take for trade unions to make collective bargaining an active mechanism for the promotion of gender equality at the workplace?

Building safer communities for LGBTI people in South Africa

by LRS gender equality / homophobia / LGBTI workers rights / world cafe

Useful information on LGBT issues and tips for labour organisations looking to better support their members who are LGBT.

A practical guide for LGBTI workers in South Africa

by LRS collective bargaining support / gender based violence / gender equality / homophobia / LGBTI workers rights

This booklet provides accurate information for LGBTI+ workers, their trade unions and employers.

6 years ago

The right answers on school safety

by Nina Benjamin education unions / gender based violence / gender equality / peer learning process / school related gender based violence / trade union development

To prevent and end school-related gender-based violence in sub-Saharan Africa, teacher unions are collaborating to find solutions that can bring sustainable changes.

6 years ago

The trade union response to workplace violence

by Nina Benjamin collective impact initiative / frontline healthcare workers / gender based violence / gender equality / health sector / workplace violence

Gender-based violence in the healthcare sector is a priority issue. How are unions in South Africa responding?

6 years ago

Social norms are difficult to change, can collective impact help?

by Nosipho Twala collective impact initiative / gender action learning / gender based violence / gender equality

Against daunting odds, a remarkable exception has emerged in the Vaal region of Gauteng Province where community members are working together to end gender-based violence.

6 years ago

Inspiring and innovative women organising strategies – A train story

by Nosipho Twala gender equality / organise / organising strategies

Nosipho Twala writes about her experience travelling in a Metrorail train in Gauteng Province and discovering a space with a creative blend of consciousness-raising, organising and mobilising.

6 years ago

How to deal with the pain of others – Tips for educators, facilitators and researchers

by Nosipho Twala facilitation exercises / gender based violence / gender equality / vicarious trauma

As an educator and facilitator in the LRS Gender Programme, I am exposed to human trauma often. Here’s advise on how to become more resilient.

6 years ago

The state of gender inequality in the world of work

by Nelly Nyagah care work / GBVH / gender based violence / gender equality / Transforming unequal gender relations in the world of work / women leadership development / women's month

Nina Benjamin, Leader of the LRS Gender Programme, reflects on our gender equality work and the emerging issues in the world of work.

The Story of Letsema

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender based violence / gender equality / Letsema

This paper looks at how the Letsema Project (a collective impact initiative) contributed to changing norms that reproduce gender-based violence in the Vaal in Gauteng Province of South Africa.

6 years ago

From despair to hope: How Letsema transformed my life

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender based violence / gender equality / letsema project

The latest crime statistics show our society is becoming more violent, and the poor are most affected. Unbowed by the violence, here’s how one community is responding.

Transforming power – A knotted rope

by LRS gender equality / organise / peer learning process / women's leadership development

Community activists in five organisations share insights and perspectives about the changes in their organisations and the constituencies they work with.

Writing from the inside – Stories of change and hope

by LRS civil society / gender equality / transformative leadership / women's rights

Urgent priorities of organising can leave little time for activists to write or document experiences. The powerful stories in this book are the result of a writing workshop for assisting activists to find a voice and language to describe and express their experiences working to change gender relations in their

How far have we come in Promoting Working Women’s Rights to Gender Equality and Decent Work?

by LRS care economy / domestic workers / gender equality / labour law / precarious employment

What will it take to end the challenges that devalue working women’s contribution to society?

7 years ago

Strategies for ending school-related gender-based violence

Things we know about gender violence in schools

by LRS education sector / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / peer learning process / school related gender based violence / workplace violence

School-related gender-based violence is rampant but preventable. Appalled, teachers are now out to change the story.

Lekgotla’s: HOSPERSA’s journey to strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community

by LRS gender equality / health sector / trade union development

The health trade union, HOSPERSA, mapped its journey strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community.

7 years ago

The workplace isn’t safe, say health unions

by Nina Benjamin collective impact initiative / gender based violence / gender equality / health sector / meadowlands clinic pilot project

Learn how we are supporting health union responses to gender-based violence in South Africa

Creating a health system with zero percent GBV: Lessons from the meadowlands clinic pilot project

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender / gender based violence / gender equality / health sector

The Meadowlands Clinic Pilot Project brought together all stakeholders involved in the health system in one locality to take up actions that will collectively impact on reducing the high levels of gender-based violence.

Decisions for life: Sharing our stories and strategies

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / negotiate / peer learning process / young women workers

Young women involved in the Decisions for Life campaign in South Africa share their own stories and experiences making the trade union a home for young women.

Decisions for life: Sexual harassment

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / ILO Convention 190 / negotiate / young women workers

The Decisions for life: Sexual harassment booklet focuses on sexual harassment in the workplace and the protections available to workers.

Decisions for life: Empowering women workers

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / negotiate / organise / young women workers

This booklet shows the impact of the Decisions for Life campaign on the lives of young women workers.

Decisions for life: Decent work and contracts

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / negotiate / young women workers

The booklet features examples of work contracts as well as basic workplace rights, to inform young women workers of their right to decent work.

Decisions for life: Breastfeeding

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / negotiate / young women workers

This booklet focuses on young working mothers and the challenges they experience trying to continue breastfeeding when they return to work.

Decisions for life: Campaign guide

by LRS decisions for life campaign / gender equality / negotiate / young women workers

The Decisions for Life campaign builds the power of young women so that they are able to confront issues in the workplace and make decisions about their lives.

7 years ago

Ending gender-based violence in the health sector

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender action learning / gender based violence / gender equality / meadowlands clinic pilot project

We support the efforts of trade unions in the health sector to end gender-based violence in the health system.

7 years ago

Working together with communities to end gender-based violence

by LRS collective impact initiative / gender action learning / gender based violence / gender equality / Letsema

We support the struggle by activists to create zero percent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities in South Africa.

7 years ago

Working with teacher unions to end school-related gender-based violence

by LRS education sector / gender based violence / gender equality / peer learning process / school related gender based violence

What will it take to support education unions to end school-related gender-based violence? Labour Research Service supports the struggle by trade unions to end school-related gender-based violence in Africa.

7 years ago

Working to strengthen women’s leadership in trade unions

by LRS feminist pedagogy / gender equality / transformative leadership / women's leadership development / young women workers

We support women leaders to strengthen their capacity for engagement in political, social and economic life to build a more equitable world.

7 years ago

Transforming Unequal Gender Relations in the World of Work

by LRS bargaining for gender equity / care economy / care work / GBVH / gender based violence / gender equality / gender equity / labour rights for women / LGBTI workers rights / transforming women's leadership / women's leadership development

The Transforming Unequal Gender Relations in the World of Work programme focuses on promoting transformative women’s leadership, valuing care work and intersectional inclusion, addressing gender-based violence with unions and communities, and using feminist pedagogy for transformative change.

7 years ago

Decisions for life

by LRS basic workplace rights / decisions for life / gender equality / workers’ rights / workplace rights / young women workers

Decisions for Life campaign aimed to achieve better working conditions for young women and to increase their numbers in trade unions and union leadership positions.

7 years ago

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