FAWU Salutes All Women On National Womens Day!

 

FAWU Wishes Women A Phenomenal National Women’s Day

 

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union extends its warmest wishes to all the women comrades in the workers’ movement on this National Women’s Day 2020 in the midst of an ongoing COVID pandemic on a scale we have never witnessed before.

Despite the current challenges we are facing as a result of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, our women, especially those very brave ones at the frontline of the pandemic such as our female food and health workers continue to perform their duties amidst fears of contracting the virus and fears for their loved ones. FAWU acknowledges and salutes the sacrifices and the outstanding brave acts of these and all our women who continue to selflessly provide and take care of their loved ones and all those requiring their care.

We are inspired that FAWU’s foundations were laid by fierce and committed anti-apartheid female struggle stalwarts such as Ray Alexander, Elizabeth “Rocky Mafikeng”, Elizabeth “Nanna” Abrahams, and Frances Baard who has often sacrificed their personal life to organise and recruit workers, especially women in rural areas who are often the most vulnerable due to patriarchal norms and gender inequality.  

We strive to emulate the total devotion to the workers class and its challenges that these special women worker leaders have shown.  Although we have made massive strides in terms of equal pay and equal treatment under the eyes of the law, we are still experiencing different kinds of challenges at the workplace and in our communities.  Here, we also bow our heads in remembrance of those women and girls who have lost their loves due to gender-based violence and we vow to do all we can in FAWU to fight this ongoing evil in our midst.

FAWU encourages our women workers leaders and staff to raise your voice and demand to be heard whether in your communities or on the factory floor.  When we speak and act as one, we are stronger together. The very foundations of society lies within the power of women to work collectively to achieve a brighter future for their children and for generations to come. As the saying goes, “When you strike a woman, you strike a rock!”

We pay tribute to the many good women who have sadly lost their lives or battling with the COVID-19 in their lives.  We hope that there may be speedy recoveries for those who are ill and that those who have lost loves ones find peace, healing and comfort.

To All Our Phenomenal Women Worker Leaders, members and staff in FAWU, We Salute You!

Enjoy Women’s Day!

Released by FAWU media officer, Dominique Martin 082 498 5631 obo FAWU General Secretary Mngomezulu Mayoyo 082 440 4039