The 15th Africa and Middle East Regional Women’s Committee took place in Abuja, Nigeria on 18 August 2019. The meeting which took stock of the various developments in the region specifically related to gender-related issues in line with BWI’s global and regional strategic plan was attended by more than twelve women leaders representing BWI affiliates from the region.
The meeting was opened by Ameshi Festus Asugwuni, Regional Vice-President of AFRECO and President of NUCECFWW-Nigeria and followed by welcome remarks from Esther Asabe Amadu Zonal Vice-President of CCESSA-Nigeria.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation by Hapsat Shuiabu, President of the Women Commission of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. She highlighted the importance of women in trade unions and the need for women to mobilize and fight for gender equality in trade unions’ structures and activities.
The overall meeting was moderated by Elizabeth Amuto (UBCCECAWU-Uganda), Chair of Africa and Middle East Regional Women’s Committee (RWC). She noted that the activism of the RWC members and the committee itself has contributed to the strengthening of gender-related activities in the region.
She stated, “The RWC has been very active in the region and has lined up programs periodically during the year to organize various campaigns, create awareness to educate and equip women with tools that will help them on ways to know their rights and how to protect these rights. We are making positive progress and results in increasing women power in trade unions and our communities.”
Crecentia Mofokeng, Regional Representative of Africa and the Middle East read the newly approved BWI Policy against Harassment and Discrimination which addresses sexual harassment and violence within BWI structures and activities. She also provided an update on the recently adopted Violence and Harassment Convention (C. 190).
After a number of discussions and report backs from the sub-regions, the RWC made the following recommendations to Africa and Middle East Regional Committee:
• Secure financial support for gender-related activities in the region;
• Call on affiliates in the region to disseminate BWI’s Policy on Harassment and Discrimination;
• Call on BWI affiliates in the region to Build Solidarity Fund in Unions;
• Promote Reproductive Health Concerns within trade unions;
• Conduct an organizing pilot project focusing on Women in various Trades;
• Strengthen sub-regional and regional women and youth networks;
• Popularise the outcome of the ILC discussions on ILO Convention 190;
• Campaign for Ratification of ILO Convention 190;
• Organize workshops and seminars to promote “Value Women’s Work” campaign; • Participate in BWI’s global actions and campaigns such as March 8th International Women’s Day, Stop Gender-Based Violence and end the “Macho” culture in trade unions.