Nigerian women workers have called for stronger legal protections to combat workplace abuse, exploitation, discrimination, and harassment, warning that many women, particularly those in domestic and informal employment, continue to face serious rights violations despite existing laws.
The demand was made on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland, during the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC), where governments, employers, and workers’ representatives gathered to deliberate on pressing global labour issues.
The call came on the sidelines of the conference from representatives of the Women Commission of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mary-Anne Mbanaso said the conference provides a critical platform for governments, employers, and workers’ organisations to adopt stronger legal frameworks capable of safeguarding the dignity and rights of women in the workplace.
According to her, progress made on gender equality has not translated into adequate protection for many women workers.
“Our women must have their place, have their say, and be represented where decisions are taken,” Mbanaso said.
She noted that many Nigerian women continue to suffer exploitation in domestic work, child labour settings, and the informal economy, where labour rights enforcement remains weak.
Mbanaso expressed optimism that resolutions reached at the Geneva conference would translate into stronger policies and more effective implementation mechanisms in Nigeria.
“Before we leave here, these issues must be addressed,” she said.
She also advocated closer collaboration between labour organisations and international institutions, noting that partnerships with the International Trade Union Confederation and the International Labour Organization would amplify the voices of women workers on the global stage.
According to Mbanaso, the group has already begun building alliances with women labour organisations in Ghana and plans to host a webinar next month to deepen conversations around workplace gender issues.
Beyond advocacy, she said the commission has intensified awareness campaigns aimed at educating women on their rights and encouraging them to report incidents of abuse and harassment.
She further disclosed that the group has engaged security agencies to strengthen enforcement measures and ensure that perpetrators of workplace violations are held accountable.
Commenting on the impact of artificial intelligence on employment, Mbanaso said women workers are responding to technological changes through continuous learning and skills development.
“AI is everywhere and it has come to stay,” she said.
She added that the commission has invested significantly in capacity-building programmes designed to equip women with the competencies required to remain relevant in an evolving world of work.
According to her, preparing women workers for future workplace realities is essential to ensuring that technological advancements do not widen existing inequalities but instead create opportunities for inclusive and sustainable employment.
