What are the main issues which confront Columbian unionists?

There are many issues – discrimination, violence, unemployment. The neo-liberal economic model prevents people joining unions, national enterprises are collapsing which is also the death of trade unions.

How does the high level of political violence in Columbia affect activists in the workplace?

A lot. On the one hand workers don’t want to join the union. It doesn’t affect all workers in all workplaces but it affects the way unions work. Columbian workers are threatened and killed all the time by paramilitaries.

How does the violence affect women?

There have been women trade unionists killed but fewer. Women are absolutely affected by the violence. Husbands are killed and the women have to become the heads of families, poverty drives them to work and so the whole system is affected by the violence.

Why did you become active in the union?

What makes me an activist is the situation you find in the enterprises and the violation in human rights in general.

What motivates you?

I firmly and deeply believe that women have to get into key positions in public life whether it is in government or in the unions. They have to be highly qualified at all levels. Columbia would be a better place if they did.

What role do you see for your movement in restoring some sense of normality in Columbia?

Unions are doing a very important job protecting trade unionists and people struggling against the violation of human and trade union rights Today a new Columbian government is trying to pass a law which will cut social benefits. It has eight key points and is bad for the people of Columbia. The government will organise a referendum to say yes to the passing of the law. But all of civil society has launched a campaign to abstain from the referendum.

How useful have you found this conference?

It has been very useful. As women we can share experiences and strategies especially for women from developing countries.