Maritime union women seek more female representation in trade unions leadership

.… Women should be celebrated every day – Adeyanju

Women in the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) have called for greater representation for the effectiveness of trade unionism in the country.

Speaking at an event to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration at the union’s secretariat in Lagos on Thursday, Vice President General, MWUN Comrade Funmi Fasan emphasized the underrepresentation of women in governance hierarchy within trade unions across Nigeria.

She said, “As disturbing a truth as this may sound, there is an enduring challenge of low female representation within the corporate and political governance space of the wider society as a result of outdated, systemic and parochial limitation imposed on the female folk.

“This is a self-evident phenomenon in our largely patriarchal society and it does not advance our economic and social well being in the long-run. Historically speaking, there is no scientific or empirical proof of societal regression occasioned by female permeation into spheres of governance.”

Fasan underscored the importance of democracy within trade unions and stressed the need for “robust female representation” to drive positive change.

She urged for a unified approach to address issues like girls’ education, female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and all forms of gender-based discrimination.

These challenges, she said require all hands on deck to create a more just society for future generations.

Fasan expressed appreciation to the MWUN leadership both at the branch and national levels for their supportive role in fostering gender balance and prioritizing the role women play in the schemes of the work place, community and family.

In his remarks, the President General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju extolled the virtues of the women saying women ought to be celebrated on daily basis and not once a year as it is being done.

He expressed confidence in women’s leadership potential just as lauded their knowledge and capability, highlighting their ability to “say things as they are.”

Beyond the International Women’s Day, Adeyanju pledged to further celebrate women within the union and others from other branches in the month June.

Adeyanju who doubles as the 1st Deputy President, Nigeria Labour Congress,
also promised to address any imbalance in women’s representation within the MWUN structure.

In her keynote address, HR Manager, GAC Shipping, Mrs Bola Odunwole expressed gratitude to the MWUN President General for his support of women in the union and his commitment to gender equality.

She highlighted the growing number of women contributing to the maritime industry across various roles, from operations and boarding officers to leadership positions as Managing Directors.

“We celebrate women who are contributing to the future of maritime. Today we see that we have substantial number of women in the maritime sector. We have some of the women in operations, as boarding officers and some as Managing Directors. Women have come a long way in the maritime sector and you and I here represent that progress, ” she said.

Speaking on the theme for the 2024 International Women’s Day ‘Inspire Inclusion’ Odunwole urged women to take responsibility in dismantling stereotypes and combating discrimination.

While emphasizing the need for women to be dependable and professional, she cautioned against misconstruing this as an excuse for slacking off.

“We need to cut women some slacks but women should not take liberty for license. Do not make yourself a nuisance.

“Empower yourselves to shatter the glass ceiling. You should be open minded, willing to learn and have a female mentor, ” she said.

Photo caption:

L-R: Vice President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) Comrade Funmi Fasan; a guest speaker; President General, MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; and HR Manager, GAC Shipping, Mrs. Bola Odunwole at an event organised by MWUN to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day in Lagos on Thursday.