UNI Africa Women's Conference focuses on empowerment and gender equality

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, acknowledged that gender equality remains a distant goal. She remarked on the slow progress in closing the gender pay gap: “The pay gap between women and men has narrowed only a very small amount over the past ten years. If we take South Africa as an example...we will only reach equal pay in 2093 and we do not accept that.”

The conference discussed initiatives like UNI’s 40 for 40 campaign which aims to increase women's representation within UNI structures. Rose-Marie Baloucoune from SNPT Senegal emphasized that leadership involves inspiring others and making courageous decisions: “It is about supporting our fellow sisters...and fighting to ensure no one is left behind.”

Helen Usen from Nigeria’s RATTAWU shared her journey towards leadership thanks to a mentoring program: “I used to be fearful; now I am bold.” Despite discouragements, she successfully ran for Vice-Chairperson in her union.

Efforts against violence were also discussed. Leocadie Bodjouo stressed that ratifying ILO Convention 190 is just a start: “The real challenge is enforcing it.” Mbali Blose from SACCAWU spoke about advocating for safer workplaces following tragic incidents involving female workers.

Parental rights were another focal point. Rita Kwabla from CWU Ghana called for changes in employer mindsets regarding maternity and paternity leave.

Women's health issues such as menstruation, menopause, mental health, and breast cancer were addressed by delegates like Rasakat Oyewole from ASSBIFI Nigeria who shared their union's mental health initiatives.

Alke Boessiger honored outgoing President Patricia Nyman as an exemplary activist while Pauline Sawadogo was elected as the new President. Sawadogo stated her commitment: “We must work together to make the voice of women heard."

Resolutions passed included commitments to mainstreaming gender perspectives across various sectors; supporting women's health; ensuring gender representation; promoting ratification of relevant conventions; and expanding mentoring programs.