To make the 2025 International Women’s Day, Africa’s leading trade union organisation, ITUC-Africa, has expressed its commitment to fighting for the protection of rights, ensuring gender equality, and empowering of women and girls across the continent.
Under the theme ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment’, ITUC-Africa warns that African women continue to bear the brunt of violent conflicts, economic instability, and gender-based violence, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation.
The Confederation, therefore, urged governments and institutions to implement stronger laws, expand social protections, and create economic opportunities for women.
ITUC-Africa highlighted rising insecurity and economic pressures as some of the biggest challenges facing African women. Women in conflict zones are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, displacement, and economic hardship. The union stressed the need for stronger protection mechanisms and the inclusion of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts.
The statement read, “At the same time, rising inflation is hitting women the hardest. As caregivers and major contributors to the informal economy, African women are struggling with the skyrocketing costs of food, healthcare, and basic services. ITUC-Africa calls on governments to implement economic policies that shield women from these financial shocks.
“Another key concern raised by ITUC-Africa is Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs): billions of dollars lost each year due to tax evasion, corruption, and money laundering. These stolen resources could fund critical services like healthcare, education, and social protection programs for women and girls. The union demands that African governments take decisive action to recover lost funds and invest in women’s empowerment.
“This year’s International Women’s Day according to ITUC-Africa marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a milestone in the global fight for women’s rights. ITUC-Africa acknowledges progress but warns that deep-rooted inequalities still persist, particularly in Africa.
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“The organisation urges the full implementation of the African Union’s new Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls as well as ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. ITUC-Africa has pledged to push for strict enforcement of these agreements to protect women in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.
“ITUC-Africa also advocate for stronger social protection systems, including universal healthcare, maternity protection, childcare support, and income security in old age. Expanding these services, particularly for women in informal and precarious employment, is key to advancing gender equality.
“Through its Gender Transformative Agenda, ITUC-Africa and its affiliates are breaking down structural barriers to gender equality in workplaces and communities. The organization is working with partners to promote the Decent Work Agenda (DWA) in the Care Economy and ensure a gender-equitable future for all women and girls.
“We must turn Beijing’s promises into tangible realities,” ITUC-Africa declared, calling on governments, businesses, and civil society to act decisively and without delay.
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