FEMP Manifesto of March 8th
March 8th has its roots in women's struggle for rights. In 1908, a group of female textile workers went on strike in New York to protest their inhumane working conditions and demand better wages, hours and working conditions. This strike was an important precursor for women's rights.
Undoubtedly, much progress has been made, but we are aware that there is still much to do, and without a doubt, the Town Councils, Provincial Councils, Island Councils and Island Councils play an essential role in achieving the real equality that is so necessary and that we all desire.
On International Women's Day, local entities commit to promoting gender equality in all areas of society. We recognize that there are still systemic inequalities that affect women in our communities and we commit to addressing them actively and effectively, being especially sensitive to those women who have it most difficult, such as women with disabilities, migrant women, women of different ethnicities and women living in rural areas.
Progress cannot be achieved without the participation of half of the population, which is women, or at their expense. As the United Nations states, “gender equality is the greatest challenge facing human rights today.” Furthermore, the progress of women is a factor that benefits the whole of society.
We reaffirm our commitment to the human rights of all women and girls, including the right to equality, autonomy over their bodies and decisions, and the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. We therefore commit to comply with the measures implemented in the State Pact against Gender Violence. It is therefore essential to renew the great social and political achievement that was the State Pact against Gender Violence, and to join forces and increase prevention resources to assist women who are victims of gender violence.
We are committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote gender equality in access to education, employment, health, political participation and decision-making at all levels.
We urge all local authorities to take concrete measures to achieve parity in decision-making and close the gender pay gap, end the involuntary partiality that many women are forced into, guarantee the equal representation of women in all areas of public life and promote a safe and respectful environment for all women and girls. It is essential to promote care services from the public sector to ensure that motherhood does not penalize women in the labor market, because they bear the burden of care.
We call on our communities to join in solidarity with women around the world and work together to create a more just and equal future for all people, regardless of their gender. Equality policies must be transversal and permeate all our actions.
At the local level, we are committed to continuing to promote progress that will lead to a better, more equitable and, ultimately, more democratic society.
Together, we can build a world where all women and girls can live free from discrimination and violence, and achieve real equality!
