Seminar on

POVERTY EDUCATION AND GENDER EQUALITY

On 07th October, 2008 the World Day for Decent Work was celebrated in Sri Lanka by the National Trade Unions Federation with several events such as Poster Campaign, Seminars, Workshops, Distribution of Pamphlets, etc.

Regarding the "Ending Poverty and Inequality" was the theme discussed at the Workshop in Badulla, Uva Province of Sri Lanka which is over 250 Kilo Meters away from Colombo the Capital City.

There were 325 men and Women workers from all the affiliates of the National Trade Unions Federation members from all sectors of the Workforce, namely, Government, Private, Mercantile, Plantations, Teachers, Hospitals Workers, etc

The theme was discussed in length with the introductory note by the Deputy Commissioner of Labour of Uva Province who was well equipped with the subject and gave details account on poverty prevailing in Sri Lanka and posed the question on how to end Poverty. The participants with different experience and knowledge recommended valuable suggestions not only to end poverty but also to reach prosperity, invest in adding value to the major produce specially Tea and sustain an equitable development and make capital in the Global Trade by supplying for the consumer’s needs and expand its Global markets.

There were several important discussions to make maximum use of the uncultivated lands by producing vegetables and fruits which is in high demand not only in Sri Lanka but also in the neighboring countries.

Further the Groups discussed about the Globalization which is a threat to the permanent workforce in Sri Lanka due to the workers are outsourced and the land is sub-leased. Many producible goods are imported to this country by which the local produces have lost the market and the workers are deprived of employment. They specially mentioned the Handloom produced mainly local sarong and sarees which are daily warned by the Sri Lankan citizens.

The next item discussed was the enhance income by the families and to work for a Decent living. The participants in one voice accused the Government for increasing the cost of living and having a "Bumper Cabinet" which maintenance and administrations is costing Billions of rupees which could be used to develop economically and make self sufficient in most of the basic needs to this country.

The groups finally discussed a Decent life for women workers as this sex is daily increasing in population which is now around 51% and the Working Population too is increasing rapidly. Unfortunately there are social, Religious and cultural taboo which hinders the Women in coming up in life the women participation in Trade Unions was also discussed and special awareness programmes for women workers were recommended and everyone participated in this workshop agreed to campaign for Decent Work, and Decent life for women.

The Working Committee has approved unanimously the following programmes after discussing the subject in detail:

• One day awareness raising programme for women workers on gender equality in work places and empower them in legal literacy. This activity will be held in Badulla in the Uva Province.( Plantation Sector, Teachers, Public Sector Workers including Industrial Workers will participate at the event. Employer Representatives and the Deputy Commissioner of Labour too will be participating)

• Display of banners and placards on Decent Work in Colombo and its suburbs supplemented by distribution of leaflets in six provinces.

• Publishing articles in national newspapers and Electronic Media creating awareness on the importance of Decent Work.