Sandra Ramos, founder and director of the “Maria Elena Cuadra” Movement for Working and Unemployed Women (MEC) in Nicaragua visited the CUPE office and met with CUPE staff in early November.
The MEC operates within the women’s movement as an independent, non-profit organization that promotes and ensures the inclusion and full participation of women in Nicaraguan society, based on the universal principle of equality, freedom and social justice.
Sister Ramos began the meeting thanking CUPE for the many years of support and solidarity. She spoke of the work of MEC that has been possible in part due to the support of unions and non-governmental organizations.
Ramos spoke about the creeping withdrawal of international nongovernmental organizations and the solidarity vacuum that is being left in their wake. Due to the funding cuts of the Harper government, many international aid groups have been forced to stop programme funding in the South.
“What is left when our allies have to leave are the IMF and the World Bank,” Ramos said. “Their interests are not the same as ours. Their commitment to human rights, labour rights and women rights are never a priority,” she added.