Female representatives from all local branches of SMER met in February to establish the Section by adopting a statutory platform, appointing an executive board and electing a coordinator and deputy. All participants at the meeting expressed willingness and readiness to work for better representation of the interests of women in SMER. While considered a predominantly male union, approximately 15 per cent of SMER’s members are women.

“IMF congratulates SMER on this important and symbolic step towards putting greater emphasis on the needs of women members,” said IMF general secretary Marcello Malentacchi. “It is only by involving women in the decision-making structures of their unions that we will ensure that the union movement is able to address the needs of women workers, particularly in those areas of employment that have historically been male dominated.”