Around 1,000 women workers from Southern Tagalog gathered in Laguna to launch a dance-protest as part of the One Billion Rising movement on March 2. Women Workers United (WWU) led the activity calling for an end to violence in the workplace, raising wages to a living standard, regular and decent work, access to public services and the right of workers to unionize.

Women from Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan (KMK), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), Kilos na, Manggagawa (KNM), and GABRIELA participated in the activity.

“We stand united in the belief that no woman should face violence or harassment in the workplace,” WWU co-convenor Joms Salvador, from Gabriela, said. “At present, women workers are subjected to mistreatment factories and offices far too ofen,” she said.

WWU also presented the 8-point women’s agenda in the election, which are wage increases and lowering of prices of goods; decent and regular work; quality public services; ending gender-based discrimination and violence; combating corruption and rejecting the patronage system; recognizing the importance of care work or family care; and defending the right to unionize and collective bargaining.

The activity is part of a series of actions for this women’s month, and also part of the preparation for the International Working Women’s Day on March 8.

“Today, we rise together to demand that our voices be heard and to register our united resolve to advance the struggles of women workers,” PSLINK’s Jillian Roque said on that day.

Makabayan Coalition senatorial candidates Arlene Brosas of Gabriela and KMU’s Jerome Adonis attended the dance-protest.