The PENGASSAN Women Commission has called for international laws, conventions and policies that will protect women, particularly in the workplace.
Speaking in an interview with Voice of Nigeria in Geneva, Switzerland, the Chairperson of the Commission, Comrade Mary-Anne Ada Mbanaso, said she had high expectations that the ongoing discussions at the International Labour Conference would lead to stronger protections for women workers.
In her words, “I am here with high expectations, believing that laws, conventions and policies will be developed to protect women, especially in the workplace and in domestic work.
“Many women have been exploited and abused through labour practices, including child labour, domestic work and employment in the informal sector.
“There are numerous cases of abuse where women are treated as though they have no value. I am therefore looking forward to seeing conventions, laws and policies that will address such abuses and harassment while giving women the dignity they deserve,” she said.
Mrs Mbanaso, who is part of the Nigerian delegation to the ongoing 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, described the conference as an eye-opener that would help her better address the needs and aspirations of members of the Commission.
“I am very hopeful and believe that before we leave, these issues will be addressed. We as Nigerians will then take these resolutions home and ensure they are enforced and implemented so that women can have their rightful place, make their voices heard, and participate in decision-making processes that affect them,” she stated.
Speaking on collaboration between the PENGASSAN Women Commission and other sister organisations in Africa and beyond, the Chairperson said mechanisms had already been put in place to strengthen partnerships.
“Even before we arrived here, we had extended a hand of fellowship and collaboration to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“With these partnerships, I believe we will form a strong force that will amplify the voices of women and advance their demands.
“We already have a collaboration with ITUC Ghana, and within the next month we will hold a webinar to discuss these issues and chart a way forward.
“I believe that being here will further expand our network and strengthen the plans we had already put in place before coming to Geneva,” she said.
On the issue of social justice and decent work for both men and women, Mrs Mbanaso said the Commission had continued to advocate for victims of abuse and harassment.
“We have advocated for people who have been abused. If you go on social media, you will see cases of harassment and various mental health challenges resulting from online abuse and conflicts.
“PENGASSAN women have remained at the forefront of advocacy, creating awareness campaigns to educate women about their rights and empower them to stand up for themselves.
“We have also engaged security agencies to ensure the enforcement of laws against offenders, so that those who violate such laws are held accountable and no longer act with impunity,” she said.
The Chairperson also spoke on one of the major issues attracting global attention at this year’s International Labour Conference: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the preparedness of the Commission to embrace the innovation.
“We all know that AI is here to stay. Everyone is upskilling and building their capacities to adapt to this new reality.
“For the PENGASSAN Women Commission, I must commend our President, Festus Osifo. He has invested significantly in capacity building, particularly for members of the Women Commission.
“He has facilitated training programmes for us at business schools in Lagos and has also sponsored participation in international training programmes outside the country to ensure that we are equipped with the necessary tools to meet emerging challenges.
“As a result, we are not being left behind in the AI revolution. We are prepared, and we are not afraid,” she added.
