Gender and Trade Unionism Advancing Female Participation and Representation in the Nigerian Context

Abstract

Trade unionism is a major part of modern workplaces. It forms the basis for peaceful relations and consensus building to attain mutual goals. At the heart of trade unionism is social justice and equality, which affirms the rights of all employees regardless of gender to enjoy freedom of association and accessibility, etc. Socio-cultural exigencies have made women to face tough challenges and discriminatory treatment at work, resulting in fewer rights and liberties and leading to economic and psychological stress. The World Bank noted that the starting point is the recognition that women are disadvantaged in most indicators at work—earnings, quality of employment, participation. Trade unions are central to protecting the interests of workers, and building strong unions can foster the elimination of discrimination at work. This chapter shall proffer actionable strategies and issue-based outlines that would advance the cause of gender equality, address the lopsided power configuration between the genders at work, and engender women's participation.