Emma Goldman (1869-1940) a Lithuanian born American international anarchist is often credited with coining the above title phrase which Ken Livingston years later used for his book "If voting changed anything they'd abolish it" (1988).

This sentiment reflects a left wing critique of liberal parliamentary democratic systems. It argues that such systems do not bring about any real structural change in the distribution of income and wealth and as a consequence political power and influence continues to rest with an economic and political elite.

Recent global events would appear to give some credence to such a critique. The current economic system puts profits for a small elite before the collective need of the whole community especially the most disadvantaged members. In a report entitled ‘Unequal Britain'1 Professor Peter Hills shows in stark terms the outcome of the obsession with the free market; ‘Britain's richest 10% are now 100 times better off than the poorest'.

As the General Election looms large it is an opportune time to consider what we want from the next Government and indeed why we should bother to be involved in the process of democracy at all.

Given the recent scandals surrounding MP’s expenses and the disrepute into which this has brought politics, it is easy to understand the view hich goes something like “they are all self-serving rouges and I want nothing to do with them”. This of course plays into the hands of cynics who, for whatever reason, would rather we always had a negative or pessimistic view of everything from democracy to human nature in general. We as Christians, particularly in this Easter season, should have a different view of the world and of human nature. Our faith challenges us to be more open, more optimistic and to build a positive vision of the future.

This month of March 2010, we celebrate a 100 years of the proclamation of International Women’s Day. It was in 1910, during the international conference of women workers in Copenhagen, that proposal by the German socialist Clara Zetkin to have a day that marks the struggle for women’s rights to full participation and equality with men in society and at work and in the integral development of the person was approved.

It is a proclamation in memory of a very old struggle between the sexes that leaves a memory of very sad events. One of which took place in 1908 in a “Cotton Factory”, where 129 women workers burnt to death following a bomb attack in the middle of a strike, where the women were protesting against the infamous working conditions to which they were subjected, low salaries, long working hours, child labour.

On this day, we underline the immense recognition for all these women of all ages who have throughout a part or in the totality of their lives been protagonists in their struggles for a significant advancement in justice and equality, and that now we can see their fruits. We observe the social and political advances and the approval of rights, and the presence of women in important positions of power and the realisation of the right of women to take their place in public and political positions.

However, there is still much to be done in order that this equality can become a reality in all the areas and places of daily activity. There are still numerous situations in which discrimination against women is maintained, where there is a lack of respect for justice. Simply take a look at our neighbours and neighbourhoods, families, our work colleagues, women workers in other continents to see that there still exists many differences and discrimination and sexual violence.

We can see that this situation is getting worse today with the global crisis that we face which hits without mercy the working class, the vulnerable and the disadvantaged, but in a way that is more brutal and lasting longer, an specifically hitting poorer women the young and migrants.

In 2009 a report was published on the “Global Employment Trends for Women” by the ILO which confirmed that inequality between the sexes remain a big problem in the world labour market.

Women workers confront many obstacles to access the labour market they are facing many restrictions in relation to sectors of activity in which they would like to work and with conditions to which they aspire.

They are over represented in the agricultural sector, they are disadvantaged because the make up a large proportion of the informal economy with precarious employment low wages and often working in inhuman conditions.

As the church present in the world of work, as Christian worker activists, we cannot remain passive in front of these unjust situations. The recognition and protection of women’s rights in the world of work depends on work organisations taking into account the vocation and dignity of women (Social Teaching of the Church 295). We have to continue to demand equal salaries for equal work, a work-family balance, equal rights and an end to sexist violence.

We want equality between the sexes inside the church. The respect for the autonomy of women and their right to equality should be continued, which is a struggle that requires the commitment of all men and women. It is urgent to promote changes in cultural attitudes that reinforce in a decisive manner obedient women and prevent their self-development.

The ILO report mentioned above states: ”The crisis has raised attention for the need for a dramatic shift to an improved globalization that includes sustainable and quality jobs, broader social protection, and social dialogue. Social dialogue, which includes explicit representation of women on solutions to the economic crisis matters now more than ever. In the world, there remains a huge untapped labour potential of women, and economic growth and development could be much higher if social and economic readjustments are made so as to provide every women with the opportunity of decent employment.”

We can live the 8 March united around the demands of women around world as a time of change. Let’s participate in this way together, with new experiences that show that human beings are capable of social re-organisation with cooperation over competition, equality rather than inequality, a sense of community over individualism.

Let’s practice other forms of power a power shared between individuals and collective power; let’s research new models for a different world, where there is a way life for all. Let us remember, “Without women, rights are not human.”

It is only by this way that it will be possible to life in respect of diversity and that a women will not be penalised for the fact that she is a women. It is a new opportunity to reinforce in all areas of life the possibilities which open themselves up to regain a profound sense of work that ennobles a person, women or man, and that does not leave human beings at the hands of production and consumption.

WMCW

The MCW’s two delegates have recently returned from the International Conversations and General Assembly of the World Movement of Christian Workers. These meetings were held in Nantes, France in October 2009 and were attended by
delegates from 43 affiliated movements from every continent around the world.

The success of this world event highlights the fact that despite difficult times in terms of funding and other resources the movement is still vibrant as emonstrated by the enthusiasm and commitment of thousands of leaders and activists throughout the world.

In many ways, the Pope’s recent encyclical ‘Caritas in Veritate’ echoes this reality. His insistence on people before profit and the primacy of the common good in economic affairs is at one with the views of Christian Worker activists. It is just a pity that the document will not be read or understood by many ordinary Catholics because of its complicated and complex language. It is also tragic that the majority of the leaders of the Church do not feel able to assist in the process of interpreting the encyclical to that it can be understood by many more people and acted upon.

When we hear that George W Bush has been called a Socialist by some of the senior members of his own Republican Party we know we are living in extraordinary times! What is illustrated is how the so called ‘credit crunch’ is challenging many of our political leaders and their former economic beliefs.

A personal view of Clayton Sinyai a member of the Catholic Labor Network (USA)

In the 1960s Prime Minister Harold Wilson spent about US$10 Billion (in today's currency) from the British Exchequer to assume public ownership of Britain's steel industry. In 1982, President Francois Mitterand incited massive capital flight when his new Socialist government purchased most of France's basic industry for less than US$15 Billion. But comes now US President George W. Bush and with a plan to dwarf these great nationalizations, extending nearly US$1 trillion in funds and loan guarantees to acquire a bankrupt insurer, shares in several wobbly banks, and perhaps a million home mortgages of questionable value. I, for one, wish my Treasury secretary could have held out for at least a few tangible assets. 

from Ray Turner, NEC Representative, Liverpool

Can I take you back to the summer of 1976 when inflation was running at nearly 20% and companies were closing at the rate of two a week. Unemployment was touching 15% and the trades unions were at the peak of their power, or at least that is what the government at the time told us! Imagine the scene in a tiny dingy smoke filled room in a large factory in Liverpool. The room is used at the concession of management by the shop stewards’ committee and there is a heated discussion going on about what action should be taken to avoid a complete walk out of 2,000 production workers in a dispute over 5 men not being paid the correct bonus. In the midst of all this mayhem in walks a little bloke in a long mac and beret accompanied by another member of the committee.