Last week saw Cosatu host 150 trade union representatives from 20 different countries including 15 from Africa for the Just Transition Global South Exchange. Progressive NGOs, academics and activists also joined the gathering to discuss climate change and what it means for workers and communities in Africa and the Global South given the poor and the vulnerable bear the brunt of its impact.
In the context of South Africas struggle for social justice, the issue of climate change presents both a challenge and an opportunity, particularly through the lens of a just transition. Cosatu as the countrys largest federation of trade unions plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact workers. This is seen in the Cosatu Policy on Climate Change a just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, (2011) and the Cosatu Just Transition Blueprint for Workers (2022).
As climate change increasingly affects workers, especially women, Cosatus stance on a just transition is critical and illustrated in the newly developed Just Transition in Gender toolkit (2024). Appreciating the intersection of gender, climate change, and labour rights is important and gives perspective on the significance of Cosatus work in ensuring that women are not left behind in the just transition.
The impact of climate change on women in South Africa
Climate change has far-reaching effects on South Africas economy, society, and environment. Women, particularly those from marginalised communities, are disproportionately affected due to existing gender inequalities.
