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Fund
caring not killing - Women's Day message Politicians must stop spending money on means of death and destruction and instead promote life. This was the message from women who took part in the Global Women's Strike at the Red Thread Office on the occasion of International Women's Day yesterday. The group called for investment in caring not killing, echoing the theme of women across the globe. Every March 8 since the new millennium women and girls in villages and cities in over 80 countries go on strike to stop the world and change it, and demand a world which values all women's work and everyday life. Longstanding Red Thread member, Andaiye told Stabroek News yesterday that the purpose of the local activity is to get women together so as to commence a sustainable campaign to end the violence in Guyana and the wider world. According to her, Guyana needs to recognise caring work as productive work that entitles women to resources. "Caring work is the work we women do that gets no recognition. It is the work for which we get no money, and that has to change." She said in Venezuela women have won the fight for caring work to be recognised as productive work. Article 88 of their constitution recognises housework as an economic activity that creates added value and produces welfare and wealth, entitling housewives to social security. Among the demands this year are payment for caring, pay for equity and paid maternity leave. Other issues include fair prices for agricultural produce, participation in the budget management of local government and creation of women's police stations to combat domestic violence. Red Thread yesterday held discussions on topics to be addressed in their campaign while those in attendance were offered health care among other things. |