AFRICAN trade unionists celebrated the continent’s women’s day today by calling for investment in education to build climate change resilience.

The International Trade Union Confederation-Africa (ITUC-A) celebrated African Women’s Day by recognising the ongoing struggle for gender equality and women’s rights. 

African Women’s Day was first declared at the historic congress of the Pan-African Women’s Organisation in Dakar, Senegal, on July 31 1974, and has since become a significant moment for reflection, mobilisation and action.

The theme of this year’s commemoration, Invest in Education for Climate Resilience, highlights the critical intersection between gender, education and climate change in three pillars that are essential for sustainable equality push and development in Africa.

ITUC-A said in a statement: “For African women, education is not just a pathway to personal development but a key to unlocking their potential to contribute to climate resilience. 

“Educated women are better equipped to lead and implement innovative solutions to climate challenges. Women with knowledge can lead their communities can adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

The union body paid tribute to Wangari Muta Maathai, Africa’s foremost conservationist who once affirmed: “You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.”

ITUC-A general secretary Akhator Joel Odigie said that unions were calling on governments and other stakeholders across the continent “to take appropriate measures to ensure women’s social and economic empowerment. 

“We urge these duty-bearers to address the intersecting disadvantages and discriminatory practices and policies that inhibit women’s access to social and economic rights.”

ITUC-A plans to hold its first ever all-Africa trade union women’s conference from August 6-8 in Cotonou, Benin.    

Mr Odigie said: “This conference will serve as a platform for amplifying women's voices, addressing gender-specific challenges, and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in all spheres of society.”