Hesperian Health Guides
Chapter 21: Discrimination
All workers deserve respect, a healthy and safe job, and a living wage. No matter what our differences may be, we all should have the same rights. But some people are treated badly because of who they are. Women, migrant workers, people with disabilities, and people of different ethnic or religious backgrounds are often treated in unequal and harmful ways by the government, the law, our bosses and supervisors, and even co-workers and community members.
Focus on finding out what challenges all workers face, especially women workers. The activity Who has the power? can help you find ways of learning about each other in a respectful way while working towards common goals to improve conditions in the factory. Joining together in a struggle does not mean you all share the same challenges, but it can help build unity and understanding as you tackle the problems you do share.
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| My boss harasses me every day. Some days he tells me I am pretty. Some days he says I’m dumber than a donkey. | I have 10 years’ experience and do good work, but I can’t find a job. They say I’m too old, they only hire young people. | Dark-skinned people are loud and dirty! I’m glad the supervisor keeps them where they belong: in the cleaning room! | I can’t talk to anyone at work. My co-workers make fun of my accent and my boss says he will fire me if I speak my own language. |