International Women's Day: The same demands every year
The vida women have been committed to more money, respect and compatibility of work and family life for years. On March 8, they draw particular attention to women's political issues.
International Women's Day
The vida Federal Women's Chairwoman Olivia Janisch never tires of drawing attention to the income differences between men and women. Because even if women work full-time in so-called men's industries, there is still a gender pay gap. "This is an appalling disdain for women and their work. That cannot be accepted," was her clear statement. Even though Janisch herself is very concerned about pointing out grievances on International Women's Day, she does not think much of pure show politics, which is performed every year on March 8. Nor is it enough for only women to stand up for gender equality: "We also need men in solidarity who are banging on the same drum as we are."
"We also need the men in solidarity who are banging on the same drum as we are"
Violence against women must end
In addition to the financial disadvantages, violence against women is a problem. Unfortunately, this also happens in professional life - for example in the form of sexual harassment in the catering industry or physical assaults in the health and social sectors. The disproportionately greater burden of housework and care work also slows down women and contributes to higher female poverty in old age.
But why does vida take up women's policy issues at all, what is feminist about trade union work? On the one hand, the trade union represents employees in typical "women's professions" in the care, cleaning and service sectors and thus directly advocates for their better pay. In addition, trade unions and feminism have two essential things in common, as Olivia Janisch knows: "First, we stand together. Secondly, we fight if we have to!"
Demands of the trade union women:
- Equal pay for work of equal value
- More women in management positions and supervisory boards
- Fair pay in typical women's professions
- More protection and support for women affected by violence
- Comprehensive, affordable and high-quality childcare for all
- Better working conditions in early childhood education
