News

WOMEN are still facing leadership opposition from men and empowering them is vital to the growth and sustainability of the trade union movement in Africa.

UNI-Africa Vice President Joyce Nonde told the 9th UNI-Africa Women’s Committee meeting on 7th October in Cape Town, South Africa that there is still "serious need for support to women and to educate, empower and integrate them in trade unions."

She said women become good leaders once they overcome opposition from men.

And UNI-Africa Women's President Peace Obiajulu said men should be invited to women's meetings to improve their understanding of gender issues.

And SACCAWU gender coordinator challenged unions to seize the opportunity of organisation women in the informal economy.

She said by lobby for legislations that support informal economy activities such as cooperatives, training on business proposal formulation, access to loans and land, unions can reach out to women and organise through their associations such as hair dressers.

And head of UNI Equal Opportunities department veronica Hernandez said women should overcome apathy by prioritising education, succession plans and mentoring programmes for young women.