Women trade unionists from across the globe attended the first ever ITF Women's School last week in Maryland, USA
By ITF
Jul 2, 2008
The school provided 34 women trade unionists from 24 countries with a
unique opportunity to discuss and share common issues and to build on
key skills needed to become effective leaders of men and women. WATCH THE FILM CLIP OF THE ITF WOMEN'S SCHOOL ON You Tube
This week-long course held from the 15-21 June, was organised by the ITF and generously hosted by the US affiliate, IAMAW, at the William W Winpisinger Education and Technology Center.
Sawsan Alnufaiee, from the Jordanian aviation workers’ union said: "This school has given us a better understanding of the global issues in transport and that the problems of women in transport are universal. Our trade unions will benefit from the leadership skills and we will also benefit as individuals".
Sessions on campaigning methodology and organising strategies provided participants with practical skills to take back to their unions. The women had the opportunity to identify problems experienced by women trade union leaders and also to discuss ways to overcome these barriers.
International solidarity was a strong theme throughout the week, with participants identifying common struggles and working out ways in which to address them.
ITF Women’s Officer Sarah Finke said: “This was an inspiring week which provided women in ITF unions with tools for leadership and for organising and campaigning. It also motivated us all to reach further and dig deeper to build inclusive, strong trade unions that answer women’s concerns.”
