Fight against gender-based violence, make your voice be heard must begin with women-NLC

…demands at least 30% participation of women in labour unions, etc

By allcitynews.ng

In apparent bid to win battle especially against gender-based war, women have been called upon to be more effective by making their voice to be heard.

Making the call in the just concluded Africa and Arab Regional Women’s Conference, organised Non-Academic Staff Union {NASU}; which took place in NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, July 11—13, 2023, Comrade Joe Ajaero reminded all the participants that the fight against gender-based violence should be more effective, beyond ratification by member-nations.

Noting that though some steps have been taken, he frowned against the issues of limiting women to scant, vulnerable and precarious positions at work place. Closely linked to this, are effects of broader structural changes in the labour market and economy such as informalisation of work.

Ajaero said, “changes not enough, we note that relative changes have been made in Africa and Arab Countries on gender issues through legislations, organisational and institutional behaviour including signing of Convention 190 by some member countries, a lot still needs to be done, especially in the private and informal work space which constitute about 80 per cent of the entire work space.

“We also acknowledge that gender discrimination is deeply embedded in our politico-socio-economic structures with consequences not only for the women folk but the entire society as it signifies a race to the bottom.”

He charged the participants to come out with solution which can help to balance the weight which had twisted to one side for long.

“You are similarly invited to propose a radically transformative public service that is at once gender-sensitive, responsive and accessible to all but to women in particular.

“We similarly invite you to brainstorm and propose ways and means of strengthening women’s voice and leadership roles in unions, trade union movement and in partisan political circles.”

Ajaero assured those within and outside the gathering of solidarity in the fight saying: “You have our support in these initiatives. Beyond giving support, we have worked at various levels to ensure a fair and equitable representation of women in all our structures. We have encouraged our affiliates to observe or achieve a minimum of 30 per cent representation of women in their structures including power sharing.”

Moreover the NLC helmsman admitted that in past events like political meetings, etc, NLC had repeatedly marched with women organistions to the National Assembly to demand for statutory women representation in the parliament. “We have a gender policy that is well thought-out.

“In a nutshell, we have a common vision and shared values with you on this matter. It is the reason we commend your foresight and courage for bringing together under one roof this large gathering. It is a noble cause from which we must not shy.”

In his find your voice appeal, Ajaero noted: “without fear of contradiction, we urge you to find solutions that are not only creative and enduring but representative of our regional values.

“Although colonialism has taken its toll on the African and Arab world, blighting our world views, it is no reason for us to continue to lose our voice in the global conversation.”

In kicking against systematic and stylish way with which some individuals and organisations are trying to bring disunity in labour unionism, Ajaero stated that: “we would use this opportunity to speak out against forces that seek to polarise or weaken the organised labour by needlessly splitting unions or pitting them against one another at a time Capital is consolidating its hold on Labour through mergers, acquisitions and overwhelming national governments.

“We also find it necessary to speak to our more inordinately ambitious members who seek titles instead of service to put their ambitions in check …..for the sake of the movement and the workers!
A people united can never be defeated!”

For ADVERT Placement!
EVENT Coverage!
Have story to PUBLISH!
HAVE Breaking story with pictorial evidence!
OR wants to assist allcitynews.ng
by DONATIONS!
Kindly contact us via 09159744240, ojezand@yahoo.com, or both. Thank you.

Allcitynews.ng’s goal: To interface between policy makers & general public, most influential, informative and reliable issues-based online newspaper, working for unity, peace and development of the Country.

Disclaimer:

Comments expressed here do not in anyway reflect the opinions of allcitynews.ng or any employee thereof. It assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in such comments.