Colombian women show solidarity by going on strike

World Today

Colombian women show solidarity by going on strike

Dozens of countries around the world hosted rallies on International Women’s Day. Many Colombian women are taking this opportunity to make an international statement, by engaging in activism, protests and strikes.

CGTN’s Michelle Begue reports.

“We have reached our limit of the violence, inequality, and all other violations that are ignored by the state. This is a call for all women – be they feminist or not- to mobilize for their rights,” said Matilde, who’s a teacher.

Many of the women at this march expressed their concern about Latin America’s machismo culture. They say the frequency of violence against women is alarming. According to Colombia’s Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, a woman is a victim of some form of aggression every 13 minutes and every four days, a woman is killed by her male partner.

Unemployment rates in Latin America have gone up in the past two years and women reportedly have been the most adversely affected. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, the number of women who work has stagnated at 53 percent. And nearly 80 percent are employed in low-paying jobs.

While the rights of Colombian women are a cause for concern, some here were motivated to march because of events in the United States.

Many here decided to skip work in solidarity with the strikes of women across the globe. The purpose to show the importance of women in the economy, at home and in the labor market.

According to experts, the workplace – in particular- holds the key to women’s equality. The United Nations said redistributing income and guaranteeing rights begins there.