By Michael Oche
In its avowed commitment to end discrimination against women migrant workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has re-emphasized the need to build the capacity of workers to better protect the rights of migrant workers.
NLC general secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja stated this at a three-day sensitization workshop for Migrant Recruitment Advisors on Gender Mainstreaming, held in Kano.
Our correspondent reports that while there have been several activities carried out to ensure better protection of the rights of migrant workers, the gender aspects of Labour Migration, particularly that of women migrants, is not being fully explored
Ubgoaja, represented by NLC Head of Youth and Women, Rita Goyit, said with issues of gender being key in development and governance, the NLC must keep itself and its affiliates abreast with gender-responsive engagement if it must give its best to promote the rights of migrant workers.
The workshop was organised with support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) within the framework of the FAIRWAY Programme.
The general secretary reiterated NLC’s commitment to promoting better migration governance, through effective protection of migrant workers and gender mainstreaming.
Trade Unions globally have increased their campaigns on equal access to employment opportunities, and the elimination of discriminatory practices against women migrant workers.
Ugboaja said the NLC recognizes the peculiar nature of women’s roles as affecting their ability or inability to participate effectively in the public sphere.
“We are ever ready and shall continue to support all initiatives, actions, and collaborations with all actors, especially critical stakeholders in the world of workers,” he said.
“We will support them in their various pragmatic initiatives deployed to assist migrant workers and members of their families.
The workshop was organised to identify sustainability strategies for trade unions in advocacy for gender mainstreaming in labour migration governance in Nigeria.
The General Secretary said, “There is no better way to do this than to actively carry out activities, to position NLC affiliates, to promote decent work for migrant workers and gender mainstreaming.”
While emphasizing the need for collaborations, Ugboaja commended the ILO for their commitment, support, and determination to organise the training.
“We reassure you of our commitment, readiness, and availability in the struggle for the defense of the collective interest of workers,” he assured.
In her speech, ILO Senior Specialist Workers’ Activities Programme, Mrs Inviolata Chinyangarara, said the programme, funded by FAIRWAY project aimed at understanding the key concept of gender mainstreaming in labour migration governance.
“Majority of women migrate because of discrimination, gender-based violence and lack of access to livelihood,” she stated.
She identified other issues that influenced women migration to include; working as housemaids, entertainers, rape and sexual harassment among others.
