GENDER JUSTICE IN TRADE UNIONS

Advance Equity and Equality within the Union and Contribute to Broader Social Change

Gender mainstreaming is a critical aspect of ensuring equity and equality within any organization, including trade unions. The gender audit conducted within the Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) highlighted the need for targeted interventions to address gender disparities and promote inclusivity. As part of the commitment to fostering a gender-responsive environment, the Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) in partnership with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zambia office organized a training program for Union Leaders and staff aimed at building capacity in Gender Mainstreaming.

The key objectives that were delivered by the activity included the following:

1. Raise Awareness: Increase understanding among union leaders and staff about the importance of gender mainstreaming and its relevance to our organizational goals.

2. Enhance Knowledge: Equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to integrate gender perspectives into union activities, policies, and decision-making processes.

3. Promote Gender Analysis: Enable participants to conduct gender analyses within the union to identify specific needs, challenges, and opportunities for gender equality and equity.

4. Develop Gender-Responsive Policies: Facilitate the development of gender-responsive policies and guidelines that address gender roles and relations within the union.

5. Empower Leadership: Strengthen the capacity of union officials to utilize gender analysis frameworks for effective programming and project planning.

It is through such a training program that unions are able to build the capacity of union leaders and staff to effectively mainstream gender considerations into organizational practices. By fostering a gender-responsive environment, unions can advance equity and equality within their organisations and contribute to broader social change.