‘Why women must be active in trade unionism’

She said the development would be a major step to engender participation of women  in the activities of trade unions in Nigeria.Odumakin spoke in a paper, ‘Mobilising Women for Active  Participation in Trade Union,’ presented at  the Sub-Sahara Africa Regional Executive Meeting of IndustriALL Global union which held in Lagos at the weekend.According to her, […]

She said the development would be a major step to engender participation of women  in the activities of trade unions in Nigeria.
Odumakin spoke in a paper, ‘Mobilising Women for Active  Participation in Trade Union,’ presented at  the Sub-Sahara Africa Regional Executive Meeting of IndustriALL Global union which held in Lagos at the weekend.
According to her, the need for women to be active in trade unionism cannot be over-emphasised because they are in better position to place gender issues on the agenda than men.
“It is also important that a  fair distribution of family responsibilities is essential if women are to be mobilized to take up positions of responsibility in trade unions. This will involve a change in attitude from both men and women. Lastly, the use of quotas can be a double-edged sword because parity in law does not necessarily lead to parity in practice.”
She also explained that women organisations and groups in the country can help engender increased participation of women in trade unionism through creating wider awareness about issues affecting women in the work environment and providing women with effective representation within a union.
She further said women organisations can facilitate mobilization and organisation of women workers, monitor gender parity in employer and worker organizations as well as provide educational opportunities for women in the area of organising and workers’ right.