ITUC-Africa seeks protection of women in conflict zones

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has urged African governments to protect women from violence within conflict zones.

Lauding the contributions of women to the economic and political trajectories of Africa as a continent, General Secretary of ITUC-Africa, Joel Odigie, described women, mothers, sisters, aunts, girls, and she-workers as the backbone of economies, families, and communities.

However, Odigie observed that insecurity remains one of the gravest challenges facing women and girls, adding that violent conflicts, extremist insurgencies, and political instability disproportionately impact women, exposing them to gender-based violence, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.

“In many conflict zones, women suffer from sexual violence, forced displacement, and loss of economic opportunities, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities. Urgent action is needed to enhance protection mechanisms for women, ensure access to justice, and promote their full participation in peace-building and conflict resolution processes,” Odigie said.

He explained that women are affected by multiple crises arising from violent conflict and climate disasters, illicit financial flows and debt burdens rendering adequate social protection financing, economic downturns, poverty, and limited participation of women in economic discourses, amongst others.

He declared that every woman and girl deserves to live free from discrimination, violence, and exploitation.

They have and must enjoy the right to education, fair wages, healthcare, and protection from gender-based violence.

The ITUC-Africa scribe observed that rising inflation across African economies continues to disproportionately affect women.

He noted that as primary caregivers and a significant part of the informal economy workforce, women bear the brunt of increasing food prices, high costs of healthcare, and declining real wages.

“Inflation exacerbates poverty and food insecurity, pushing more women and girls into precarious working conditions.”

Governments must take decisive measures to stabilize economies and ensure policies that protect women from economic shocks,” Odigie added.

He also complained about the effects of illicit financial flows on Africa’s critical resources that could otherwise fund essential services such as healthcare, education, and social protection programmes, which are crucial for women and girls.

Odigie stressed that the loss of billions of dollars annually due to tax evasion, corruption, and money laundering directly impacts the availability of services that empower and uplift women.
ITUC-Africa, therefore, calls on African governments to take bold steps to curb IFFs and ensure resources are redirected toward strengthening public services that benefit women and girls.
He said this year’s theme, ‘For all Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’ reflects the urgent need to accelerate progress toward a world where all women and girls, regardless of their background, social status, or geographic location, can enjoy their fundamental human rights, experience true gender equality, and access opportunities that empower them.

He added: “This year holds special significance as we mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This landmark document transformed the women’s rights agenda worldwide by driving legal protections, improving access to services, and shifting social norms. Despite these achievements, persistent inequalities continue to hinder the full realisation of women’s and girls’ rights, particularly in Africa.”

To this end, ITUC-Africa reaffirms its commitment to fighting for women’s rights and building a society where everyone can live and work with dignity, free from discrimination and violence.

The continental organisation urged African states to adopt and enforce strong laws against gender-based violence, including ratifying and implementing the African Union’s recently adopted Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls and ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work.

It applauded the African Union on its historic adoption of the Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, saying, “We shall promote the application and enforcement of this landmark comprehensive continental instrument to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls in homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods. We must equip women and girls with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their futures.”

ITUC-Africa noted that stronger social protection systems are essential for ensuring economic security and dignity for women and girls.

Also, access to universal healthcare, maternity protection, childcare support, and income security in old age are crucial to advancing gender equality crucial to women’s emancipation.
ITUC-Africa also calls on governments to significantly increase investments in social protection programmes, ensuring that women, particularly those in informal and precarious employment, are adequately covered.

It submitted that expanding social protection will help mitigate the adverse effects of inflation, economic shocks, and insecurity on women and their families.

It added: “Through the Gender Transformative Agenda, ITUC-Africa and its affiliates are actively working to contribute to dismantling structural barriers that hinder gender equality in the workplace and society at large. We will continue working with allies to achieve the Decent Work Agenda (DWA) goals in the Care Economy and ensure a gender-transformative agenda in the unions, workplaces, and communities.”

ITUC-Africa calls on all stakeholders to act decisively to turn Beijing’s promises into tangible realities for women and girls in Africa and worldwide.