“There are, without a doubt, many barriers to organising women workers in the electronics industry,” writes Malentacchi.

“But we must not allow these obstacles to deter us from the necessary and urgent duty we have to these workers to help them improve their working lives,” he adds.

Malentacchi reports that later this year the IMF will bring together affiliates to discuss what can be done to improve conditions for women working in global supply chains in the electronics industry.

Malentacchi argues that if we are to bring real pressure on electronics companies, unions and NGOs must combine their efforts both at exposing the abuses to the public and organising workers to fight for improved working conditions.

“This International Women’s Day, let’s make that commitment,” concludes Malentacchi.