The Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU) participated in the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Regional Workshop on ‘Pay Equity Bargaining for Enhanced Gender Equality at Work in Africa‘, held in Accra, Ghana, on 3rd December 2025. OATUU was represented by Comrade Valentine Udeh, Assistant Secretary-General, who delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Secretary-General, Comrade Arezki Mezhoud.

In his address, Comrade Udeh reaffirmed OATUU’s longstanding commitment to eliminating discrimination and promoting equality in the world of work across the continent. He highlighted the organisation’s role as the only Pan-African trade union body representing all trade union tendencies, with 73 affiliates in 54 African countries and a membership of over 25 million workers.

Comrade Udeh commended the ILO and ILO-ACTRAV for convening a timely discussion on pay equity, an issue made more urgent by persistent gender inequalities, technological shifts in the labour market, and socio-economic challenges that disproportionately affect women. He also underscored the importance of implementing key international labour standards, including ILO Conventions 100 and 111, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 and SDG 8.

During the workshop, Comrade Udeh reiterated the need for stronger advocacy, pay transparency, family-friendly workplace policies, and expanded opportunities for women through training, career progression, and the creation of decent jobs—especially in the care economy and also emphasised the necessity of formalising informal work, where many African women are concentrated.