#fith2018

[idwf]

The IDWF Second Congress – a Snapshot

By Elizabeth Tang, General Secretary, IDWF

"The IDWF second Congress was convened in Cape Town, South Africa on the 16 – 19 November 2018.  Among the 207 participants, there were 107 delegates and 100 observers from our affiliates as well as other organizations.  

The four days were packed with speeches, group work (formal and informal), slogans, voting, laughter, singing, dancing, photo-taking and eating, among others.   To most of us, it was a great success, as it has filled us with inspiration, spirit and concrete ideas to move on.    We thank those who have supported this Congress in their own ways – by taking notes, interpreting into many languages, providing funds and so on. Without this support we would not have come this far."

English: http://bit.ly/IDWFC-SS

Spanish: http://bit.ly/FITHC-SS

French: http://bit.ly/FITDC-SS

[idwf]

The IDWF is a growing movement of domestic workers. The second Congress in Cape Town, South Africa gives us inspiration and renewed energy to fight for our dignity, rights and freedom.

Eighteen resolutions have been adopted. They are the goals and the concrete guides for our program of action in the next 5 years.

Read more in English, Spanish and French:

Resolutions: Adopted by the 2nd IDWF Congress 2018, Cape Town, South Africa 

http://bit.ly/IDWF-RSL

Resoluciones: Adoptadas en el 2do. Congreso de FITH en 2018, Ciudad del Cabo, Sudáfrica

http://bit.ly/FITH-RSL

Résolutions : Adoptées par le 2me congrès de la FITD 2018, Le Cap, Afrique du Sud

http://bit.ly/FITD-RSL

[idwf]

The second Congress of the IDWF passed an emergency resolution in support of the migrants from Central America who have reached the Mexico-US border.

El segundo Congreso de la FITH aprobó una resolución de emergencia en apoyo a los migrantes de América Central que han llegado a la frontera México-EE. UU.

In connection, we call on people to sign on the Solidaridad con las caravanas of the Progressi:

En conexión, pedimos a las personas que firmen en el Solidaridad con las caravanas of the Progressi:

http://en-progressi.nationbuilder.com/caravanas

(Photo by Mitch Lensink on Unsplash)

[idwf]

Nov 18: Congress Day 3

IDWF Press Release: http://bit.ly/2RViIIk

As songs of solidarity rang out from Cape Town’s historical building of social justice, Community House, the International Domestic Workers’ Federation (IDWF) elected its leadership for the next five years. Myrtle Witbooi, General Secretary of the South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (SADSAWU), was re-elected as President, without contention. Carmen Britez, Secretary of Acts and Organization from Union Personal Auxiliar de Casas Particulares (UPACP) in Argentina, is IDWF’s new Vice-President. Elizabeth Tang was re-elected to the position of General Secretary, and will continue to head the IDWF Secretariat in Hong Kong.

“We are not free yet. With this global federation of domestic workers, we will make every government in the world to ratify the international convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and pass laws to protect their rights and dignity.” 

[idwf]

Nov 16 Congress President Address:

"We have shown the world the power of domestic workers (inclusive of all domestic workers). We have proven that we remain united and can face all our challenges. Let us look forward to the next five years. May we remain humble, brave and strong. Let us never forget the struggle."

ENG: http://bit.ly/2K82V6x

ESP: http://bit.ly/2zTNmug

FRA: http://bit.ly/2OMoOsL 

[idwf]

Congress Interview:

Esther Kosi, General Secretary of DSWU, Ghana

http://bit.ly/2zdhNvX

From your experience, what are the biggest challenges for domestic workers? First, they don't know their rights. The ignorance of rights. They should have better conditions of employment. They deserve employment that respects occupational health and safety. They should not work in hazardous conditions. Second, we need to build alliances with agencies and everyone involved so we can create big awareness everywhere. We find it difficult to organize because funds are limited.

[idwf]

IDWF Campaign: Stop Gender-based Violence

Gender-based Violence must stop! We intend to carry out national advocacy in many countries; engage in the ILO’s “standard-setting” process towards adopting a Convention on “ending violence and harassment against women and men in the world of work”, and to join the International Trade Union Confederation’s “Stop GBV” Campaign. Find out more: http://idwfed.org/en/updates/gender-based-violence

[idwf]

IDWF Campaign: My Fair Home

"We call upon people in our communities, in particular the employers, to hold hands with domestic workers in the “My Fair Home” campaign to ensure dignity and decent work to all domestic workers."

Learn more: http://idwfed.org/en/campaigns/my-fair-home

Make your commitment TODAY: http://idwfed.org/myfairhome