The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) joins the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, reaffirming the central role of women in advancing workers’ rights, strengthening trade unions, supporting communities, and driving Africa’s economic and social development.

Across the continent, women workers continue to make significant contributions to labour movements and national development despite operating within unequal social and economic conditions. Women remain at the forefront of organizing workers, sustaining families and communities, and contributing to productivity across both formal and informal sectors. Their resilience and leadership have been vital in promoting social justice, inclusive growth, and workplace progress.

However, in today’s context there are persistent structural challenges facing women in Africa’s labour landscape. Many women still lack access to decent work, adequate social protection, productive resources, education, and skills training opportunities. Gender wage gaps, workplace discrimination leave many vulnerable to exploitation and insecurity. OATUU further underscores that ongoing economic crises, climate change impacts, and geopolitical tensions compromise some of the gains that have been made over time.

In its commitment to addressing these challenges, OATUU pledges to continue strengthening advocacy for gender equality within trade unions, promoting women’s leadership and representation, supporting policies that advance decent work for women, and encouraging stronger gender-responsive labour protections across Africa. The organisation commits to working with affiliates and partners to ensure women’s voices are central to social dialogue and decision-making processes.

OATUU calls on governments, trade unions, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders “to redouble efforts to build a society based on equality, dignity and justice”.

OATUU therefore reiterates that Africa’s future cannot be envisioned without the full and meaningful participation of women in all sectors of society. Investing in girls’ education, ensuring women’s access to decent employment, promoting women’s leadership, and strengthening their role in decision-making processes remain essential priorities for achieving sustainable development and social justice.

For more details, read the full statement below.