Student’s at the University of Manchester demand (2003): 

• Free education.
• Not in our name- invest in caring not killing.
• Freedom to explore our sexuality.
• Recognition of the work women do- the same wage for the same work around the world.
• No gender discrimination: Equal female representation within University academic staff but without an increase in work. 
• A Housewife should be recognised as a full time job and given a wage that represents the full range of skills involved.
• Equal pay for work of equal value.
• The same wage for the same work around the world.
• Equal pay for female graduates across the field.
• Freedom to walk the streets at night without the threat of rape, harassment or any other kind of abuse.
• Compensation for victims of rape. 
• Safe and reliable transport.
• Greater publicity of date rape drugs and support funds for victims.
• Compensation for and protection from domestic violence.
• Increase of child care benefits for student single mothers.
• The right to choose abortion and the money and resources to have the children we want.
• Free sanitary products and contraception for all women around the world.
• Recognition of women’s sports achievements.
• Remember the majority of those injured and killed in war are women and children.

womens@umu.man.ac.uk
0161 275 2939

From a message from University of East London Student Union Women's Officer, sent 7 March, 2001

"University of East London Student's Union (UELSU) has decided to officially support the Global Women's Strike and has agreed to pay any female staff member who chooses to go on strike.  In light of this, it's worth noting that UELSU has a proud history of fighting for women's liberation.  It is one of only a handful of Student Union's left in the country with a full-time women's officer post; many other SU's have scrapped similar posts in recent years.  This is reflective of the general trend towards commercialisation and depoliticisation within the student movement as a whole.  UELSU will not follow suit!"

From a message from All Africa Student's Union (AASU), Accra, Ghana,
sent 1 March 2001

"Dear Comrade,
"Solidarity greetings from the secretariat of All Africa Student's Union (ASSU).   ASSU is a non-governmental organisation with member unions from the continent of Africa.  The activities of our organisation are mainly on issues of the environment and development, student health (especially the campaign against AIDS and Drug abuse) gender equity and child abuse.  In view of this, we consider your programe on  women in line with our objectives and will like to work with your organisation to promote the necessary awareness and solutions to the problems at hand.  We would appreciate if we could participate in second global women's strike."

Why I support the Global Women’s Strike . . .

. . . Awareness of issues concerning women must be raised and these issues must be brought to people’s attention. A global strike is an excellent idea because it unites women from very different cultures and with very different problems.  Jenni Taylor - Manchester

. . . because I’m tired of alienation, I’m tired of others feeling dead due to oppression, I’m tired of a society full of strife, I’m tired of the patriarchal destruction of the earth and the environment, I want freedom, you want freedom. Sing, dance, lift us all up!!! Gareth - Sheffield, UK

. . . because I believe in EQUALITY.  Carey O’Donoghue - Sheffield, UK

. . . Population growth and ecological destruction threaten world stability. The women’s strike is about questioning the status quo which has allowed this situation to arise. The world and all things in it can only benefit from advances in cooperation, empathy and respect. As a man, I value women’s contribution to forging the new world which is necesary. Any inequality is conflict- which undermines everything. Tom Chambers - Britain

. . . because women are grossly under appreciated for ALL that they do. they keep economies afloat but are not given the proper recognition for it! It’s time to start valuing what ½ the world’s population does. Helen Clarke - Brighton

. . . Women’s struggle is all people’s struggle. As women’s role in the capitalist system is given greater promotion and visibility, through the GWS, the contradictions of the system’s all-encompassing effect are easier to see. Without the vital role of women in society, there is no society. Women’s work is too often unpaid or low-paid - it is more than just opportunities, it is about getting the chance to use those opportunities. As men we must show solidarity not only because women ARE our equals but also because they are the mothers of our children.  Chris Boyer - England

. . . because i have always been aware of inequalities and differences between men and women throughout my life but have been baffled at the apparent lack of interest in them. No one seemed to notice the unfairness of the situation- or if they did it was with a kind of resignation that ‘that’s life- nothing to be done but get on with it’. this attitude, among men and women and the refusal to acknowledge wrong in the way we live has led to the overwhelming dominance of men in society and the disregard and disrespect for women, in everyt aspect of our lives- the media- science- industry- in the home and in government. At last I have come across a movement- and a growing one that is demanding that these injustices be firstly admitted and then immediately addressed. It is an uplifting thing to be involved in and I am confident that the women and men involved will see their goals realised due to the sheer power and inspiration felt by the people involved. It is something that gives you a lot of hope and a great deal of encouragement for the future, in terms of galvanising my ideals and in seeing those ideals succeed. I’m already thinking about next year!
Thanks. Coralie - Sheffield.

... because ANYTHING that raises awareness of the amazing job that women do, with little recompense, ANYTHING that kicks complacent people who think that everything is OK - that we’re all equal now - up the bum is absolutely fantastic. Rachel Agnew- Sheffield University Women’s Officer.

. . . because I am a woman and I have seen women in Africa carry children and take food to market while men sit and lounge around. Leila Griffiths - Sheffield.

. . . the world is still plagued with injustice and TNC’s aren’t run by women. Good Luck, solidarity.  Tom James - Sheffield

. . . because I know that the majority of work in ‘third-world’ countries is done by women, and these are the countries being most disgustingly screwed by such as the WTO.  Ian Storey - Sheffield

. . . we are shattered and have too much responsibility — home- bills- kids-school- career?? -health -good?????

good luck and keep up the fight to everyone!! Sheffield University

Student call 2002

The Strike welcomes the Shut Down of Higher Education on March 1st 2001, against student fees

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