Abhimana – NUTQW Sri Lanka – National Union for Trans and Queer Workers
About Us
Abhimana Workers Union is a group of workers from sexual and gender minority communities in Sri Lanka. It is the first of its kind and is facilitated by the National Union of Seafarers Sri Lanka (NUSS) with the approval of the Sri Lankan Government.
Abhimana was founded by a collective of working class LGBTIQA+ persons who envisioned a workplace without discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, and sex characteristics. Research shows that many LGBTIQA+ workers face stigma, discrimination and violence at heteronormative workplaces and have to face a myriad of obstacles that their hetrosexual counterparts do not have to face. “Abhimana” expects to collaborate with other trade unions, corporate and public sector companies while mobilizing LGBTIQA+ workers to seek solutions to the unique challenges faced by LGBTIQ workers and promote their employee rights.
Vision
A safe and rewarding workplace for all sexual and gender identities in Sri Lanka.
mission
The protection, promotion and strengthening of labor rights in formal and informal sectors for workers of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics.
Our Aims and Objectives
Mobilizing LGBTIQA+
workers to Protect and promote their rights in the workplace.
Strengthening access
of LGBTQIA+ workers to benefits and welfare.
Improving
the working conditions for LGBTIQIA+ workers.
Mobilizing
the LGBTIQA+ community And allies to uplift the social, economic, and political status of LGBTIQA+ workers.
Lobbying for the elimination of
SOGEISC-based violence and discrimination through a necessary amendment to existing policy frameworks and/or the establishing of new policies that protect LGBTIQA+ workers.