The workshop “Introducing gender equality principles in trade unions through overcoming the stereotypes of union leaders” took place in Ivano-Frankovsk (Ukraine) and has been organised by Burlaka Nadejda, the president of the women’s committee and Liubovi Busely, the head of social-economic department.

During the seminar, the participants shared their experience about the work they’ve done since the first meeting on gender issues in December 2006. Since that time, some unions have already improved the situation of working women through the CBAs. Thus, the union “Donmeasprom” included in the CBA and additional payment for women with children up to 3 years old of 50 Ukraine Hryvnia (10 US $), additional financial assistance would be given to families with many children, and single parents. The CBA also provide an increase of up to 70% in subsidies for meals in the workers canteen. In Kirovograd district, the AIWU included in the CBA a special article about the attestation of workplaces and non-discrimination of women when she enters employment.

The seminar participants learned about the law of Ukraine in regard the protection of women’s rights and gender equality. They also discussed the issues of men and women in the contemporary world and the role of men in promotion of gender equality. During the meeting, there has been also discussed the IUF Programme on gender equality, the conclusions of IUF women’s conference in 2007 and the Resolutions of the IUF 25th Congress on “Women and Employment” and “Migrant workers”.

Moreover, the participants have discussed the Statute of AIWU of Ukraine and proposed changes that guarantee gender equality. One of the proposals is that the representation of women in unions’ leading positions should not be less then 40%.

The IUF was represented at the workshop by Svetlana Boincean.