A Special Session was held on day three of UNCSW56, for Canadian Labour delegates by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Director of the ILO Gender Bureau , Jane Hodges, and Senior Gender Specialist Raphael Crowe, opened up the session identifying the four pillars of decent work: jobs, rights, social dialogue and social protection.Director Hodges introduced the global social policy approach known as the Social Protection Floor (SPF). SPF has been introduced in the ILO’s proposed amendments to the draft conclusions by the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
The SPF promotes integrated strategies for providing access to essential social services and income security for all. Social protection is one of the four pillars of Decent Work.
Other issues highlighted by the ILO included the need to train women in the collective bargaining process which will advance their participation. Workplace initiatives identified by the ILO to end gender based violence drew interest from delegates who were enthusiastic about collective bargaining gains such as the CAW Women’s Advocate program. There was a consensus by attendee’s that the 2013 UNCSW 57 – theme “Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against Women and Girls” should include a component of successful examples of equality measures negotiated and won, during collective bargaining.
In Sisterhood and Solidarity,Julie White - Director, CAW Women's Department
Cheryl Robinson - Vice President, Caw 2002
