On International Women's Day 2018, Rita Schiavi, President of BWI´s International Women's Committee from Unia Switzerland, urged for the right to a decent home while visiting the occupation Povo sem Medo (People without Fear) organized by the Movement of Homeless Workers (MTST) in São Bernardo do Campo. The BWI has been demanding the construction of housing for more than 8,500 families who are mostly unemployed.
"It is unacceptable that the workers who build hundreds of houses for others do not have where to live," she said in front of 2,000 workers attending the weekly assembly.
The current economic crisis has only aggravated the city’s chronic housing problems. The MTST estimates a deficit of more than 700,000 housing units.
The occupation and MTST coordinator, Andreia Barbosa, described the difficult reality of the workers. Many workers are construction unemployed workers.
Schiavi added: "I see hundreds of women fighting here on International Women's Day to ensure that their children have a roof. In these difficult circumstances, it is important for you to know that the BWI extends its solidarity."
The BWI action is also part of the Campaign for Resumption of Paralyzed Works that affiliates lead in Brazil. The victory of the occupation People Without Fear can generate more than 1,000 jobs in construction and numerous indirect jobs.