IDWF 2016 Year-end message: “We have grown, we have spoken out, and we have become the voice of the voiceless,” says Myrtle Witbooi

“Yes! We are powerful women. We have proven that we as women leaders we can stand firm when the storms of life hit us.”

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Message from Myrtle Witbooi, IDWF President at the end of the year 2016:

Dear all,

The year is nearly finish and we have done so much. But there is still so much to do.

We are thinking about all those countries where our fellow domestic workers are still treated as slaves. We are so angry and so helpless when we see the suffering of our migrant workers.

We are on our knees when we hear about our union in Lebanon. We feel the pain with them.

We ask so many questions: When will convention 189 work for us?

Although we at times feel powerless and helpless, we know that this Federation of us has the power to move mountains.

We have grown, we have spoken out, and we have become the voice of the voiceless.

Yes! We are powerful women. We have proven that we as women leaders we can stand firm when the storms of life hit us.

My wish for all of us for 2017:

• May we continue to be the light for those workers that are not free yet.
• May we remain the shelter for those when the storms hit us.
• May our voices be heard by all the Governments and employers.
• May we remain united as never before.

Our Federation was born out of the tears of workers who need a home. We will never be silent.

Thanks to all of you:

The Executives, the vice President, our hardworking General Secretary and our Coordinators and all our affiliates, our support team, our partners, stake holders and funders.

I remain the humble servant for those in need.

I salute you all.
The struggle continue till all are free.

Myrtle Witbooi
IDWF President