MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 8, 2012) – The Associated Labor Unions National Committee on Women (ANCW) on Thursday vowed to continue campaigning for women’s representation at different company and union structures to ensure that policies and work terms and conditions are gender responsive.
ANCW Secretary General Eva Arcos stressed that for organized workers, Collective Bargaining Agreements should have provisions responsive to women workers’ needs and aspirations. “We encourage women trade unionists to accept or work for strategic positions such as union president, CBA negotiator, among others that will open opportunities to better serve women constituencies,” she said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Arcos also said that while the women’s movement has made successes in many areas, much remains to be done in terms of actual participation and equitable representation of women in tripartite or multi-sectoral bodies or mechanisms, particularly those that cater to women workers.
“Several land-based jobs abroad and industries inside export zones are women-dominated. Women concerns can be better understood and responded to by women representatives,” Arcos said.
The ANCW also vowed on making a dent in enhancing and mobilizing strengthened capacity to provide better direct services to members and more meaningful and effective participation in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies, laws, implementing rules and regulations, and programs affecting women and workers in general.
Arcos cited Section 11 of Republic Act 9710 provides that “the state shall undertake temporary special measures to accelerate the participation and equitable representation of women in all spheres of society particularly in the decision-making and policy-making processes in government and private entities to fully realize their role as agents and beneficiaries of development.”
“This will give teeth to the vision of pursuing capacity-building efforts for women and putting them to actual use,” she said.
20