Interview with Mylene Hega, the Assistant Executive Director and Gender Programme Coordinator of LEARN (Labour Education and Research Network)in the Philippines..

1. LEARN has a well established gender education programme. Can you explain its principle aims and outcomes?

The programme was established over ten years ago. It arose out of an analysis that Filipino trade unions were dominated by men and that consequently gender concerns were not integrated into the agenda of trade unions. In response, LEARN developed a general education module for women workers which addressed their participation in trade unions. Many of the women who participated in this education programme, then organised themselves into women’s committees. However, we recognised that there was still a gap. For women to be active trade unionists, they needed skills. So LEARN organises seminars which focus on skills development at both an interpersonal and organisational level. Our education therefore has always been geared towards strengthening the organisation of women workers. In 1993, MAKALAYA (Women Workers Fighting for Freedom) was formed by graduates of LEARN’s skills training programme and seminars. MAKALAYA provides the space where women workers can further develop their agenda in the trade unions. It plays an important role in strengthening the women’s committees, and providing further training to enhance the capacity of women workers.

2. How do you see the gender programme developing in the future?

We can anticipate that more women will begin to occupy leadership positions in the trade unions. More men are also becoming open to gender issues. This means that our education needs to adapt to these changes. For example, perhaps we can begin to offer combined seminars with both men and women workers participating. We can also begin to go beyond awareness raising and focus on more specific issues.

3. LEARN will be participating in IFWEA’s international study circle for women workers. How will this benefit your work in the Philippines?

Women workers need to develop a global perspective. Yet international trade union work is usually dominated by men. In analysing globalisation, women will have a different angle. This angle needs to form an integral part of our understanding of globalisation. The international study circle will also allow us to develop international solidarity links which opens the door wider for women workers. Another important aspect of the project, is the use of new information and communication technology. Women need to be given the chance to understand how this technology can be used in their interests.

4. The current economic crisis in Asia has particular implications for workers. In this context, what are the priorities and challenges for LEARN and workers’ education?

We should focus on information dissemination about the current crisis and globalisation. Workers need to understand what is happening around them. There has been a lot of workers’ education on local and national issues, but very little on international issues. LEARN must take up the challenge of delivering education with a global focus. But, we also need to concentrate on education activities which will strengthen trade unions at a local level. For example, skills development and the political participation of workers. We have to address the role of Filipino trade unions in the changing political and economic structure of the country.

Another interesting challenge for LEARN concerns the development of methodology. We need different methodologies for workers’ education like workshops and study circles. This should reflect democracy in action by creating space for participants to express themselves. Filipino trade unions have formal education seminars which are like lectures. LEARN has tried to put more emphasis on the learning process. We have introduced games and structured learning exercises which relate to the conditions and everyday experiences of workers. We have also used cultural activities like song and dance to raise awareness around particular themes. It is important to be creative as educators to win worker’s interest in trade union education.