Women empowerment in trade union movements: A strategy for national and economic development

Abstract

Nigerian Trade Union (NTU) serves as a platform to safeguard and guarantee the interests and rights of workers in government organizations, regardless of gender and age. There is, however, a contrasting trend with regard to women empowerment in the trade Unionism in the Northern region. Hence, this study examines the participation of women in Nigerian trade union movements of Northern region. This study adopts a qualitative method of data collection. A total of eleven respondents from the Northern region were interviewed using unstructured questions. MAXQDA 2018 software version is used to analyze the data obtained from the field. In explaining the topic under investigation, the study has adopted the following two theories as a tool of research analysis: Empowerment and Social Constructivism theories. The key framework of these theories is largely premised on women empowerment and gender equality. These theories emphasize on the need for empowering women and gender fairness in every organization. The basis of the Social Constructivism theory is that gender inequality is socially constructed. The findings of this study demonstrate that women in the Northern region are not adequately empowered in the trade union movements this is because most of them are often subjugated to domestic activities. Therefore, the study recommends that the Nigerian government should enact national policies and strategies to encourage women participation and empowerment in the trade union movements in the region. The study adds that there is a need for women to be educated on gender discrimination by implementing the 35 percent Geneva Affirmative Action.