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2 weeks ago
LRS insights on tackling gender-based violence in the world of work
Effective GBV strategies must work alongside shifts in workplace practices and policies.
Tag: gender equality
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3 weeks ago
Annual Report for 2022-23
Our Annual Report shows the different ways in which we work with and for the trade union movement to address the challenges facing our organisations and the world of work.
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1 month ago
How parental social protection falls short for mothers
Women are less likely to benefit from contributory schemes such as UIF and COIDA if they are linked to formal employment.
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1 month ago
Women’s human rights in the informal sector
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.
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2 months ago
How to approach the equity bargaining process
Equity bargaining is about ensuring that collective bargaining promotes equity in the workplace. Here’s how the union negotiator should approach equity bargaining.
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2 months ago
Walking Alongside: A practice to transform unequal power relations
An LRS facilitator reflects on her work with Africa’s science granting councils to promote gender transformation in science, technology and innovation.
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2 months ago
How public sector trade unions can address GBV
Six actions unions can take to develop and improve strategies to end gender-based violence.
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2 months ago
Resources for facilitators and trainers
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.
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4 months ago
Gender equality: What it is and how to achieve it
Learn what creating a culture of gender equality means for the Labour Research Service.
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1 year ago
Ten articles to read in August
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.
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1 year ago
Five trade union demands for mainstreaming gender in trade agreements
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).
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2 years ago
The Negotiator’s Guide – A guide to negotiating in a changing workplace
The LRS Negotiator’s Guide provides strategies to inspire, organise and represent workers.
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2 years ago
Power Up! Women advocate for bodies, voices and resources
Seeking to connect and support women in precarious work to have their jobs made visible, recognised, valued and remunerated.
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2 years ago
What will it take to create pathways to women’s economic autonomy, resilience and stability?
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.
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2 years ago
The role of Volunteer Food Handlers in the National School Nutrition Programme
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.
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2 years ago
What will it take to create a successful national response to GBV in South Africa?
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.
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2 years ago
We need more resources and collaboration to tackle GBV
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.
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2 years ago
How to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace
Sexual harassment in the workplace is manifesting in more subtle forms. Know more and protect your rights as a worker.
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2 years ago
Addressing gender-based violence in the workplace
When stakeholders act collectively, it is possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in the workplace.
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2 years ago
Organising and empowering young women workers
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.
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2 years ago
Bargaining with a gender equity lens – A resource for trade union facilitators and trainers
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.
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2 years ago
The economic cost of sexual harassment in the workplace
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
Outcome: Strengthen our understanding of social dialogue in creating gender equity.
Women contributing to the economy | Facilitation exercise
Women feel more confident in participating in political economy discussions.
Bargaining with a gender equity lens | Facilitation exercise
Outcome: Strengthening our understanding and confidence in bargaining with a gender equity lens.
Trade unions and the struggle for gender justice | Facilitation exercise
Outcome: Reflection on our organisational policies and practices in relation to creating a gender-equitable trade union.
Women trade union leadership | Facilitation excercise
Outcome: Participants feel comfortable, supported and confident in participating in the workshop.
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2 years ago
How I deal with the pain of others
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.
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2 years ago
Resources for union facilitators and trainers
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.
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2 years ago
A facilitator’s reflection on old methods and new lessons for ending school-related gender-based violence in Africa
Nina Benjamin, LRS Gender Equality Programme Leader, takes stock of her role supporting teacher trade unions in sub-Saharan Africa to create safe schools.
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3 years ago
How teacher unions can prevent violence in schools in Africa
This document draws on the experience of nine education trade unions that want to end school-related gender-based violence in their contexts.
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3 years ago
Online course: creating gender equality in the workplace
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
Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace
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3 years ago
A step by step approach to collective bargaining for gender equity
Learn a simple step by step approach to bargaining for gender equity in the workplace.
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3 years ago
7 feminist books to read during August Women’s month
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.
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3 years ago
ILO Convention 190: a game-changer in ending violence and harassment in the world of work
Participants at FEDUSA’s webinar on gender-based violence urged the government to ratify ILO C190 against violence in the world of work.
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3 years ago
Women’s Month 2020: Putting care at the centre of the agenda
A conversation with Nina Benjamin, Leader of Gender Equality Programme at the Labour Research Service
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3 years ago
Transformative women’s leadership in the time of covid-19
“The pandemic made us to explore alternative models of leadership that are not militaristic, patriarchal and undemocratic.” Crecentia Mofokeng, Regional Representative for Africa, Building and Wood Workers’ International
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3 years ago
What the pandemic reveals about women’s activism and feminism
President of Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Associations and StreetNet International, Lorraine Ndlovu, on how the covid-19 pandemic affected her activism. “We are rethinking our approach to women’s leadership development.”
Working to end school-related gender-based violence: Writings by representatives of education unions from Eastern, West and Southern Africa
Inspiring stories written by participants in the Education Unions Take Action to end School-Related Gender-Based Violence initiative.
School-related gender-based violence initiative: Profiling the participating trade unions
Nine member trade unions of Educational International in Africa participated in the ‘Education unions take action to end school-related gender-based violence’ initiative.
Strategies to end school-related gender-based violence
It’s possible to transform the norms, policies and practices that perpetuate gender-based violence in our schools when stakeholders act collectively.
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3 years ago
June is Pride Month
Despite the progressive laws, workers who are LGBTI+ continue to experience violence and discrimination.
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3 years ago
Covid-19 pandemic: a perfect storm for LGBTI youth
With the school closures, reduced support services and a lack of community support, these young South Africans are more vulnerable.
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4 years ago
Creating safe and inclusive trade unions and workplaces free of homophobia
We support the efforts of trade unions to build inclusive and safe workplaces where LGBTI workers feel free to claim their rights.
Workplace rights belong to everyone: Addressing homophobia in the workplace
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
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.
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4 years ago
School-related gender-based violence: How to make a difference
Research on violence in schools in South Africa shows the issue is worsening. South African Democratic Teachers Union has mapped the key action areas to end the violence.
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4 years ago
Women workers in South Africa and the battle for equality
Twenty-five years after Beijing, there’s progress for women workers in South Africa but major challenges remain.
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4 years ago
The role of teachers in preventing gender-based violence in schools
Teacher unions in South Africa are confronting school-related gender-based violence to restore a safe learning environment and the dignity of the teaching profession.
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4 years ago
The Death Sentence of Being a Girl Child in The Gambia
In The Gambia where the prevalence of female genital mutilation in women aged 15-49 is 74.9%, trade union activists are breaking the culture of silence to ensure the girl child is safe.
Education unions take action to end school-related gender-based violence
Teachers and education unions are at the forefront of the efforts to end school-related gender-based violence in sub-Saharan Africa.
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4 years ago
A right to learn without fear: working to end school-related gender-based violence in schools
School-Related Gender-Based Violence is violence that undermines the bodily integrity, human rights, and gender equality of all those involved in the school but primarily that of the school child.
Bargaining Indicators 2019 | Gender Equality Section
Ending violence, discrimination and harassment in the workplace is a union issue.
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4 years ago
Six ways to end gender-based violence
The root cause of gender-based violence is inequitable gender norms. What can you do to help end GBV?
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4 years ago
The fourth industrial revolution risks leaving women behind
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.
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4 years ago
Ending violence and harassment in the world of work is a union issue
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.
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4 years ago
A teachers’ union is determined to end violence in schools
Our interview with Dorcus Sekabate, the Vice President of Gender at the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), reminds us that violence in schools is a global tragedy.
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4 years ago
Women unionists are learning how to be heard
UNTU’s Siphiweokuhle Sithole, 31, is among the women unionists fighting to instil cultures of gender equality in workplaces in South Africa.
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4 years ago
A band of male comrades united for women
FEDUSA’s Babongile Dumani is a male champion supporting the rights of working women in southern Africa.
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4 years ago
What will it take to build LGBT inclusive workplaces in South Africa?
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
South Africa’s Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. Learn how we got here.
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4 years ago
Collective bargaining and gender equality in South Africa
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
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
This booklet provides accurate information for LGBTI+ workers, their trade unions and employers.
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4 years ago
The right answers on school safety
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.
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5 years ago
The trade union response to workplace violence
Gender-based violence in the healthcare sector is a priority issue. How are unions in South Africa responding?
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5 years ago
Social norms are difficult to change, can collective impact help?
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.
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5 years ago
Inspiring and innovative women organising strategies – A train story
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.
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5 years ago
How to deal with the pain of others – Tips for educators, facilitators and researchers
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.
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5 years ago
The state of gender inequality in the workplace
How are things changing for women in the labour force in South Africa? Nina Benjamin, LRS Gender Programme Coordinator, takes stock of our gender equality work and the emerging issues.
The Story of 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.
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5 years ago
Can we have zero percent violence in our communities?
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
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
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?
What will it take to end the challenges that devalue working women’s contribution to society?
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5 years ago
Things we know about gender violence in schools
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
The health trade union, HOSPERSA, mapped its journey strengthening equality in the union, workplace and community.
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5 years ago
The workplace isn’t safe, say health unions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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6 years ago
Ending gender-based violence in the health sector
We support the efforts of trade unions in the health sector to end gender-based violence in the health system.
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6 years ago
Working together with communities to end gender-based violence
We support the struggle by activists to create zero percent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in communities in South Africa.
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6 years ago
Working with teacher unions to end 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.
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6 years ago
Working to strengthen women’s leadership in trade unions
We support women leaders to strengthen their capacity for engagement in political, social and economic life to build a more equitable world.
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6 years ago
Gender Equality
The Gender Equality Programme of the Labour Research Service supports the building of cultures of gender equality in trade unions, the workplace and community.
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6 years ago
Decisions for life
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.
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6 years ago
Labour rights for women
The Labour Rights for Women campaign empowers women to organise and defend their rights in the workplace.
Gender pay gap – can a national minimum wage help to narrow the gap?
How can a National Minimum Wage contribute to narrowing the gender pay gap and moving us closer to gender equality?
Putting union gender equality policy into practice in South Africa- The role of transformational leadership
This report explores the disconnect between trade union labour policy and practice related to gender inequality.
Equality is everyone’s business
This booklet outlines the various laws relating to workplace rights and provides advice on preventing and responding to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Our hearts are joined: Writings from Letsema
The stories in this book are written by the participants of Letsema, our inspiring collective impact initiative for ending gender-based violence in the Vaal in Gauteng province.
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