IWD: Women under siege from inflation, conflict, inequality — Labour

2026-03-08 - 12:47

By Victor Ahiuma-Young Organised labour has expressed concern over the worsening conditions facing women across Africa, warning that rising inflation, violent conflicts and persistent gender inequality continue to place them under severe pressure. Speaking through the International Trade Union Confederation – Africa (ITUC-Africa), the labour body said that despite the significant contributions of women to the continent’s social and economic development, many still face structural barriers that limit their access to decent work, fair wages and leadership opportunities. In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Akhator Odigie, to mark the 2026 celebration of International Women’s Day, ITUC-Africa noted that although progress has been made in advancing women’s rights, millions of African women remain trapped in conditions of economic hardship and insecurity. According to the organisation, the combined impact of the climate crisis, political instability, rising food prices and illicit financial flows has heightened the vulnerability of women workers across the continent. The group said women, particularly those in informal and precarious employment, are bearing the brunt of the economic downturn as inflation continues to erode incomes and reduce access to essential services. “Justice for African women means living free from violence, exploitation and insecurity,” the organisation stated, noting that conflicts and instability in many parts of the continent continue to expose women and girls to gender-based violence, displacement and loss of livelihoods. ITUC-Africa emphasised that economic justice is central to achieving gender equality, stressing that widening wage gaps, job insecurity and limited access to social protection systems have continued to undermine the wellbeing of women workers. To address these challenges, the organisation called on African governments and stakeholders to enact and enforce equal pay laws aimed at closing the gender wage gap and expanding opportunities for women in the formal labour market. It also urged governments to expand universal social protection programmes, including maternity benefits, childcare services, healthcare and income security for older women. The labour body further called for the ratification and implementation of international frameworks designed to protect women from violence and workplace harassment, including International Labour Organization Convention 190. ITUC-Africa also stressed the need for African governments to tackle rising debt burdens and curb illicit financial flows that deprive the continent of resources needed to fund public services and social protection programmes. The organisation said meaningful representation of women in economic, political and peace-building processes remains essential to achieving lasting equality and sustainable development. ITUC-Africa reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equality through its gender-transformative agenda and pledged continued solidarity with women workers across the continent. “As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we honour the resilience and contributions of African women and reaffirm our commitment to building a just, equal and dignified world of work,” the statement added.