Lome:The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has called on African trade unions to bolster women’s leadership and participation in the labour movement. This appeal was made by Mr. Gilbert Houngbo, ILO Director-General, during the opening of the 2nd ITUC-Africa Biennium Women’s Conference in Lome, Togo, which he addressed virtually.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Trade Union Feminism and the Implementation of ITUC-Africa’s Transformative Gender Agenda: Two Years of Action for Equity and Social Justice in Africa,’ emphasized the importance of women’s stronger participation in Africa’s economic and labour decision-making processes. Houngbo encouraged trade unions to be bold and to organize more women workers, including those in the informal economy, and to promote young women into leadership roles.
Houngbo stressed the need for trade unions to form alliances across generations and movements, ensuring that gender equality remains central to economic and labour policies. He pointed out that Africa’s labour sector is experiencing significant changes due to digitalisation, artificial intelligence, climate change, demographic shifts, and economic restructuring. However, these changes will not automatically lead to greater equality if women continue to be overrepresented in informal employment and unpaid care work.
The ILO chief highlighted ongoing issues of discrimination and violence against women at work and their underrepresentation in leadership roles. He asserted that gender equality is crucial for social justice, inclusive growth, decent work, and democratic governance. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to equal pay for work of equal value, expanding social protection, and investing in the care economy.
He also emphasized the importance of eliminating violence and harassment at work, advocating for wider ratification and implementation of ILO Convention 190. Houngbo noted that policies alone are insufficient and that women need stronger voices in governments, enterprises, trade unions, and collective bargaining processes. Women’s active participation is essential in shaping economic, social, climate, and technological policies across Africa.
Houngbo praised ITUC-Africa for institutionalizing the initiative, noting that the second gathering reflects a sustained commitment to gender equality, social justice, and women’s leadership. He described the conference theme as timely and ambitious, representing two years of action under the transformative gender agenda.
In conclusion, Houngbo reiterated the ILO’s readiness to collaborate with African trade unions to build a more inclusive, equitable, and just future of work, where women’s rights are protected, their contributions valued, and their leadership strengthened to help shape a better future for all.